Understanding Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

Public Safety Power Shutoffs, or PSPS events, are increasingly utilized by utility companies in regions prone to wildfires. The core principle is to proactively de-energize power lines in areas where strong winds and dry conditions create a heightened risk of ignition. A downed power line, even without visible flames, can quickly spark a wildfire in dry vegetation. Xcel Energy emphasizes that these decisions are not taken lightly.

“Proactively shutting off power is not a step we take lightly,” Xcel Energy states on its website. “We consider weather, wind speeds, relative humidity, fuel moisture and temperature as well as critical customers and infrastructure before deciding to implement a PSPS.”

The Forecast: What to Expect

The National Weather Service is forecasting widespread wind gusts of 60-75 mph across the Front Range mountains and foothills on Wednesday morning, with isolated gusts potentially reaching 90 mph in particularly wind-prone areas. The strongest winds are expected to impact the Denver metro area between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., before spreading eastward onto the Eastern Plains.

Specific wind gust predictions include 80 mph in Boulder, 75 mph in Golden, 50 mph in Denver, 45 mph in Castle Rock, 55 mph in Fort Collins, and 65 mph in Colorado Springs. Sustained wind speeds are also expected to be significant, reaching up to 46 mph in Boulder and 44 mph in Golden.

A High Wind Watch is in effect for the Eastern Plains, with gusts up to 65 mph possible Wednesday night. Adding to the concern, the Front Range has experienced an unusually warm and dry stretch of weather in recent weeks, creating ideal conditions for wildfire spread. Denver recently tied a record high temperature of 68 degrees on December 15th, a record set in 1921, according to the National Weather Service.

Did You Know?: The combination of high winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures creates a “red flag” warning for wildfire potential, prompting utilities like Xcel Energy to take preventative measures.

Past PSPS Events and Restoration Timelines

This wouldn’t be the first time Xcel Energy has implemented PSPS measures in Colorado. In April 2024, approximately 55,000 customers experienced preemptive power shutoffs. Additionally, around 250,000 customers lost power due to wind-related outages during the same period, according to Xcel spokesperson Michelle Aguayo.

Following the passage of the high winds and a reduction in fire danger, Xcel Energy crews will begin restoring power. However, restoration is not immediate. Crews must thoroughly patrol power lines to ensure they are safe before re-energizing them. The restoration timeline can vary significantly, ranging from several hours to several days depending on the extent of any damage and the accessibility of affected areas.

Even if a full PSPS event is avoided, Xcel Energy will be implementing “enhanced powerline safety settings” on Wednesday. This means power lines will be more sensitive and automatically shut off if they detect a potential hazard, such as a tree branch making contact.

Pro Tip:

What steps are you taking to prepare for the potential of power outages? And how do you feel about the balance between wildfire prevention and the inconvenience of preemptive power shutoffs?

Frequently Asked Questions About Xcel Energy Power Shutoffs

• What is a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)?

  A PSPS is a proactive measure taken by utility companies to reduce the risk of wildfires during periods of high wind and dry conditions. It involves temporarily shutting off power in areas where downed power lines could potentially ignite dry vegetation.

• How will I know if my power will be shut off?

  Xcel Energy will notify customers in potentially affected areas through various channels, including phone, text, and email. You can also check the Xcel Energy outage map online for the latest information.

• What areas are most likely to be affected by the potential power shutoffs?

  The foothills areas of Jefferson, Boulder, Clear Creek, Larimer, and Weld counties are currently considered to be at the highest risk of potential power shutoffs.

• How long will it take to restore power after a shutoff?

  The restoration timeline can vary depending on the extent of any damage and the accessibility of affected areas. It could range from several hours to several days.

• Can I report a power outage?

  Yes, Xcel customers can report outages online at Xcel Energy’s website, by texting “OUT” to 98936, or by texting “STAT” to check the status of an existing outage.

• What is Xcel Energy doing to prevent future power shutoffs?

  Xcel Energy is investing in grid modernization and infrastructure upgrades to improve the resilience of its system and reduce the need for PSPS events. They are also utilizing advanced forecasting and modeling tools to better assess wildfire risk.