AMARILLO, Texas (Mar. 1, 2025) – Xcel Energy is closely monitoring and preparing for forecasted severe weather with high winds and low relative humidity in our Texas and New Mexico service territory. Excessively dry conditions, high fuel loads such as dead or dry brush and trees and significant wind speeds across the region will create an elevated risk of wildfire, expected to peak in New Mexico on March 3 and in Texas on March 4.

Because of the high winds and associated wildfire risk in the forecast, some customers may experience power outages. Xcel Energy crews are on standby to restore power for customers quickly and safely if an outage does occur.

We encourage customers to make plans now to be ready for potential power outages later this week from this severe weather, especially if they have medical equipment that relies on electric service. As with all weather events, the forecast may change. Xcel Energy is providing the following information to assist our commercial and residential customers and community partners in their preparation for potential power outages.

Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings expected to be activated; Public Safety Power Shutoff possible

Xcel Energy utilizes weather forecasts and other data sources to help determine the best course of action to protect public safety. High winds, low relative humidity and dry ground conditions are key factors in our risk models. We update our models regularly and adjust our operations accordingly to reduce wildfire risk.

Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are tools that can reduce wildfire risk and keep our customers safe.

EPSS allows for power lines to remain in service during periods of elevated wildfire risk, with additional protection settings enabled. In a PSPS event, power is proactively shut off for safety. This is not a step we take lightly. More background information is available on our website and this EPSS video.

Due to the elevated risk of wildfire, we expect to activate Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) across our Texas and New Mexico service territory beginning Sunday, March 2.

  • When EPSS are activated, power lines can instantly stop the flow of energy if an issue is detected, like a tree branch or other object touching the line.  
  • EPSS settings do not mean the company has proactively turned off a customer’s power. If there is an outage while these settings are activated, it is the result of an issue on the power line.  
  • Power will remain off until our crews can visually inspect power lines to make sure it is safe to turn them back on. This may mean that if an outage occurs, it could last longer.

A PSPS is a risk mitigation option where power is shut off to a targeted area for a limited time period when wildfire risks are extremely high. It is a tool used only when the fire risk is exceptionally high, so other methods like EPSS are not enough for safety. Xcel Energy will work to notify customers who may be affected as soon as possible if a PSPS becomes necessary. Both EPSS and PSPS are only used when temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and other available fuel sources indicate a high risk for wildfire.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to take steps to reduce wildfire risk and keep our communities safe. 

How customers can prepare, stay safe

Stay Informed 

We will provide updates for this specific weather event on our website.

If outages occur, it’s important for you to have access to the most up to date information about our restoration efforts. Please make sure your account information and communications preferences are up to date in MyAccount.  

You can check the status of an outage on our statewide outage map, which displays the number of customers experiencing outages and anticipated restoration times.

Build a Home Emergency Kit 

Customers are encouraged to be prepared for an electric outage by keeping phones and other devices charged and building an outage kit with items that do not require electricity, including:  

  • Battery-powered radio 
  • Flashlights  
  • Batteries  
  • Backup phone chargers  
  • A phone that does not require electricity  
  • Non-electric alarm clock  
  • Bottled water and non-perishable food  
  • Manual can opener  
  • First aid kit  
  • Extension cords (for partial outages)  
  • Manufacturer’s instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g. garage doors)  
  • Xcel Energy phone numbers – (800) 895-1999 for residential or (800) 481-4700 for business

As an important reminder to customers who have medical equipment that relies on electric service, please take steps to prepare a backup power supply in case outages do occur. If a PSPS becomes necessary, we will attempt to contact known medical customers in the area directly to inform them about forecasted severe weather and potential impacts.

We are continually investing in our systems to reduce the risk of wildfire and limit the size, scale and duration of potential power disruptions. More tips for how to prepare for an outage are available here. 

Report an Outage 

You can help us get a jump on restoring power by reporting outages. Customers have several ways to report outages:  

  • By texting OUT to 98936 to report an outage, or STAT to check the status of a power outage. 
  • By calling 1-800-895-1999 and following the prompts—the automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds. 

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About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.