Dec 18, High Wind Warning and Dec 19, High Wind Warning. No Open Burning in Boulder County.

Emergency Status
Dec 17

Update from Xcel Energy – Dec. 17

  • December 17, 2025, 9:49 PM
  • Alert

The following is the most recent update provided by Xcel Energy (Dec. 17 press release).

Restoration work begins following Public Safety Power Shutoff, weather-related outages

Xcel Energy anticipates another PSPS event Friday, December 19

DENVER— (December 17, 2025)— Xcel Energy has begun restoring power following a strong wind event and Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Wednesday. A violent weather system carrying winds with gusts over 90 miles per hour and low levels of humidity created dangerous wildfire conditions, particularly across the Front Range. As of 8 p.m., there were around 120,000 weather-related outages – about 50,000 connected to the PSPS and another 68,500 related to severe weather. Xcel Energy crew members and contractors positioned along the Front Range have begun to restore power to our customers where it is safe to do so.

Restoring outages from this significant weather event as well as a widespread PSPS will be challenging and is expected to take several hours to several days. Crews cannot begin restoration until severe weather and wildfire risks have passed and they must inspect power lines and repair damage before lines can be safely re-energized.

Xcel Energy is also anticipating a PSPS event Friday, December 19, as high wind, dry ground conditions, and low relative humidity return. This PSPS event has the potential to impact mountain communities as well as the Front Range, beginning as early as 5 a.m. Friday’s high winds may overlap with some communities impacted by today’s weather event, which means certain areas may be without power for more than three days.

“We understand being without power for any length of time is difficult, much less for multiple times in several days,” said Robert Kenney, president of Xcel Energy – Colorado. “We do not take these events lightly, as the safety of our customers and communities are our top priority. We want our customers to know that our crews are working as quickly as possible to safely restore power and hope our customers will give our crews grace as they work through these challenging conditions over the next few days.”

Xcel Energy uses 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 risk models.

Jefferson County Resource Centers

Xcel Energy is working with the American Red Cross and Jefferson County to open resource centers for customers impacted by power outages caused by today’s severe wind event. Customers impacted by outages in Jefferson County will have access to two resource centers, which will be open Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Xcel Energy Red Trucks will also be at the resource centers providing support and information to customers. The resource centers will provide phone charging for those who need it and are located at:

  • Belmar Library– 555 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood

Preparing for Restoration

Xcel Energy crew members and contractors are positioned along the Front Range, beginning the restoration process following the PSPS as well as other outages caused by high winds. Please remember to give them the space they need to do their job safely and efficiently. Customers are encouraged to report any damage they see to power lines, stay clear of downed lines, and report their outage.

Xcel Energy recognizes a significant number of customers are likely to experience an outage, which is highly disruptive. The company’s goal is to limit the impact of a PSPS event as much as possible while effectively managing high wildfire risk and will continue communicating updates through the event, including outage and restoration information. Customers can look up their address online to find out whether they may be subject to a PSPS event.

Report Outages, Damage

Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages and are encouraged to also report any damage to power lines that they see. They should also stay away from any downed power lines and broken power poles and contact Xcel Energy.

Customers have several ways to report outages:

  • Online at xcelenergy.com/out
  • Via text by texting OUT to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number 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.

Event updates and tips to prepare, stay safe, report outages and stay informed when severe weather strikes can be found on the Xcel Energy Event Update web page.

How customers can prepare, stay safe

Stay Informed

Xcel Energy will provide updates for this specific weather event on its website. Customers can check the outage map for up-to-date information on outages and estimated restorations times, when available. They should make sure their account information and communications preferences are up to date in  My Account.

Customers can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and X.

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 for potential extended outages, including on Friday. Xcel Energy will be conducting additional outreach for qualifying medical customers regarding Friday’s event.

Xcel Energy is continually investing in and building out its systems to reduce the risk of wildfire and limit the size, scale, and duration of potential power disruptions. Since beginning its Wildfire Mitigation work in 2020, the company has invested in system improvements including the following improvements made in 2024:

  • Replacing 8,337 distribution poles
  • Inspecting 18,740 distribution poles
  • Inspecting 2,832 miles of transmission lines
  • Completing 345 priority repairs on transmission equipment
  • Installing 18 substation protection relays

# # #

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.