DENVER (August 7, 2025) — With Colorado experiencing sweltering temperatures and high energy demands across the system today, Xcel Energy is encouraging its customers to conserve energy from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. today.  

Customers can take part in conservation efforts by making small changes in their day and evening routines including setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher, turning off unnecessary lights, and postponing the use of major appliances until after 10 p.m.  

The company is requesting that customers take these steps to conserve energy to decrease the demand on the electrical grid and reduce stress on the system. These conservation efforts could reduce the risk of more significant actions, which could include controlled, rotating power outages.  

Customers should also follow these conservation tips:  

  • Operate energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, during early morning and late evening hours.  

  • Use electric fans instead of air conditioning when practical.  

  • Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during hot periods.  

  • Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers at the same time an air conditioner is running.  

  • Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes.  

  • Open windows at night to bring in cooler air and close in late morning to conserve the lower temperatures.  

  • When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or late evening hours.  

More information be found on the Energy Saving Tips page at xcelenergy.com.  

If controlled outages do become necessary, Xcel Energy will temporarily cycle off power in rotating areas in order to help keep the larger grid operating and avoid a longer outage.   

If controlled outages are needed:  

  • Customers can anticipate the outage to last up to one hour.  

  • Customers are encouraged to only report a power outage lasting longer than 90 minutes by using our mobile app, visiting xcelenergy.com or calling 800-895-1999.  

  • You can also get information and updates on our online Outage Map.    

Utilities use controlled outages as a last resort and Xcel Energy appreciates customers’ patience and understanding as it works through this event.  

In addition to encouraging customers to conserve, Xcel Energy will also take steps to manage electricity demand. The company will work with large commercial customers who participate in voluntary interruptible energy programs to lower peak demand. It is also activating Saver’s Switch and AC Rewards, two programs customers voluntarily sign up for that automatically cycle air conditioning on and off in exchange for a bill credit.  

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About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.

We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.