DENVER— (March 9, 2026)— Xcel Energy is closely monitoring and preparing for a higher risk of wildfires across much of the Front Range through the remainder of the week. Despite the recent snowfall, dry fuels persist, coupled with high winds and historically low snowpack. The warm temperatures and high wind will quickly melt snow and dry out vegetation, increasing the risk of fast-spreading wildfires.
The National Weather Service has issued widespread Red Flag Warnings and High Wind Warnings across Colorado for Monday, March 9. Wildfire risk is expected to increase and remain high through the week.
Enhanced Power Safety Settings (EPSS) is one of the tools we use to help mitigate wildfire risk, and we anticipate using this tool on Thursday. When EPSS settings are activated, power lines are more sensitive and can stop the flow of electricity if an object touches the line. It’s important to note, high winds can also trigger unplanned outages.
The company 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 fuel conditions are key factors in risk models. Models are regularly updated, and operations are adjusted accordingly to reduce wildfire risk.
Xcel Energy is raising awareness and encouraging customers to prepare for potential outages due to weather. Customer communication will increase if outages become imminent or wildfire activity increases.
Xcel Energy encourages customers to take steps to prepare for potential wildfires and power outages now.
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If you use medical equipment that relies on electricity, consider signing up for our Safe for Colorado program, which provides extra support to residents with qualifying medical conditions.
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.
How customers can prepare, stay safe
Stay Informed
If outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most up to date information about our restoration efforts. Customers should make sure their account information and communications preferences are up to date in My Account. They can check the status of an outage on the Xcel Energy 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:
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Battery-powered radio
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Flashlights
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Batteries
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Backup phone chargers
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A phone that does not require electricity
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Non-electric alarm clock
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Bottled water and non-perishable food
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Manual can opener
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First aid kit
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Extension cords (for partial outages)
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Manufacturer’s instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g. garage doors)
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Xcel Energy phone numbers – (800) 895-1999 for residential or (800) 481-4700 for business
Xcel Energy is continually investing in the electric systems to reduce the risk of wildfire and limit the size, scale, and duration of potential power disruptions. Our website includes more tips for how to prepare for an outage.
Report an Outage
Customers can help get a jump on restoring power by reporting outages. Customers have several ways to report outages:
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Online at xcelenergy.com/out.
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By texting OUT to 98936 to report an outage, or STAT to check the status of a power outage.
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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) 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.
