Xcel set to shut off power due to extreme wind threat
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An overturned truck and tilted power lines on Dec. 15, 2021, in Superior, Colorado. Photo: Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images
Xcel Energy is expected to preemptively cut power to a portion of the Front Range on Wednesday in anticipation of severe winds throughout Colorado.
Why it matters: The move aims to prevent possible wildfires, but an extended power outage comes with its own risks.
- Xcel began using preemptive outages after a downed Xcel power line was deemed partially responsible for starting the 2021 Marshall Fire in Boulder County.
The latest: Xcel announced Tuesday at 5pm it would "likely" cut power around 10am Wednesday in response to high winds.
- The shutoff is expected to impact about 50,000 customers in parts of Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties.
- The latest planned outage map no longer included Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver or Douglas counties.
Zoom in: The University of Colorado Boulder decided to cancel all Wednesday classes.
- Boulder Valley School District officials said Tuesday evening that because of the reduced outage area, they did not expect district-wide school cancellations. Still, school officials cautioned that individual schools that lose power might have to shut down.
Threat level: The National Weather Service has issued red flag and high wind warnings for Boulder County starting at 11am Wednesday.
- The forecast calls for winds 31-41 mph with gusts as high as 80 mph.
- Xcel added it might take "several hours to several days" to restore power because crews must inspect lines and repair damage before they can be safely re-energized.
Be smart: Residents should stock up on supplies, including batteries, water and non-perishable food.
- Those with medical equipment, power doors and other vital electronic equipment should make backup plans.
Flashback: Xcel first tried preemptive power outages in 2024 to mitigate the wildfire risk associated with downed power lines.
- Yes, but: Officials, businesses and residents criticized the company's public communication surrounding the shutdown and the amount of time to get power restored.
- Multiple areas did not get power back for several days, costing businesses customers and food and supplies that went bad without refrigeration. There was also a brief increase in traffic crashes at areas that were without traffic signals.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with new details on where outages are expected as of 5pm Tuesday and additional details on school cancellations.