- Potential Shutdown: Xcel Energy has warned it may preemptively shut off power on Monday for customers in parts of the Denver metro area.
- Affected Areas: The potential outage targets eastern Denver, along with portions of Adams, Boulder, and Jefferson counties.
- Timing: If enacted, the shutdown is projected to last from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday.
- Reason for Outage: The drastic measure is a response to a forecast of extremely high winds and low humidity, creating a critical wildfire risk.
Xcel Energy Considers Preemptive Power Outages Amid High Fire Risk
Residents across the Denver metropolitan area are on high alert after Xcel Energy announced the potential for a deliberate power shutdown on Monday. The utility company is considering a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) as a preventative measure against wildfires fueled by dangerous weather conditions.
Areas and Timing Under Threat
As of Sunday afternoon, Xcel was actively “evaluating the potential need to proactively turn off power” for a significant number of its customers. The areas identified as being at risk include eastern Denver and parts of Adams, Boulder, and Jefferson counties. The proposed shutdown window is between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, though the exact number of customers who could be affected remains unclear.
The decision stems from a severe weather forecast predicting a combination of very high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation across the Front Range—a perfect storm for rapid wildfire ignition and spread.
A Last Resort for Wildfire Prevention
Xcel Energy emphasized that a PSPS is a measure of last resort. In a news release, the company stated, “Temporarily shutting off power – known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) – is not a step taken lightly and is only used when other methods are not enough to help prevent wildfires.” This strategy is designed to de-energize power lines to prevent them from arcing or falling in high winds, which could ignite the dry landscape below.
Increased Grid Sensitivity and Additional Outage Risks
Beyond the potential for a deliberate shutdown, Xcel has also placed its electrical grid into a heightened safety mode. This setting makes the system more sensitive to potential disruptions. As a result, even minor incidents, such as a tree branch making contact with a power line, could trigger a localized and immediate outage. This means that even customers outside the designated PSPS zones may experience power disruptions throughout the day due to the high winds.
How to Stay Informed
Xcel is urging customers to stay updated on the rapidly evolving situation. The company will provide information through its official channels, including:
- The Xcel Energy website
- The official Xcel outage map
- Xcel’s social media accounts on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)
Residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare for potential power loss by charging devices, gathering emergency supplies, and making contingency plans.
Image Referance: https://denverite.com/2025/10/19/xcel-energy-preemptive-shutdown-fire-weather/