Xcel Energy Plans Temporary Power Cuts in Fire-Prone Areas Amid High Winds
Xcel Energy has announced a planned power shutoff affecting approximately 50,000 customers due to high winds and heightened fire danger. The shutoff will commence at 10 a.m. Wednesday in specific areas of the Front Range.
Xcel Energy’s Preemptive Measures Amid Fire Risks
The decision comes as many regions in Colorado are under a red flag warning, which alerts residents to extreme fire hazards. Wind gusts may reach up to 85 miles per hour, compounding concerns about potential fires in vulnerable areas.
Areas Affected by Power Cuts
- Boulder County
- Clear Creek County
- Jefferson County
- Larimer County
- Weld County
Xcel Energy emphasizes that these power outages are safety measures aimed at preventing downed power lines from igniting fires in high-risk zones. The utility acknowledges that the implementation of Public Safety Power Shutoffs is not taken lightly.
Timeline and Restoration Efforts
Initial conditions are expected to improve by around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, at which point restoration efforts will begin. Xcel Energy has indicated that additional outages might be possible outside the targeted regions, potentially delaying recovery times.
Community Impact and Precautions
In preparation for this planned shutdown, local school districts and businesses are making adjustments. The Weld County School District has canceled kindergarten through fifth-grade classes and modified schedules for middle and high school students. Similarly, the University of Colorado Boulder will limit operations to essential services.
The Boulder Valley School District is currently monitoring the situation, while the Arvada Center is assessing the impact on performances of the Disney musical “Frozen,” without any cancellations thus far.
Advice for Residents During Outages
- Gather portable chargers and ensure electronic devices are fully charged.
- Have a battery-powered radio ready for alerts and safety information.
- Charge any necessary medical devices in advance.
- Prepare backup light sources and first aid kits.
- Set refrigerators and freezers to the coldest settings.
- Unplug appliances to prevent damage from power surges upon restoration.
- Practice manually opening your garage door for emergencies.
Residents can check their service address online to determine if they will experience an outage. With ongoing drought conditions and unseasonably warm temperatures, the risk of fire remains elevated in the region.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
