Xcel Energy has refined its forecast on potential outages, narrowing the number of Front Range customers who could lose power to about 52,000 amid dry, windy conditions in Colorado. Earlier estimates had suggested as many as 530,000 residents might be affected during a public safety power shutoff (PSPS). A Tuesday afternoon news release confirms the adjusted figure.
Originally, the company warned that up to 530,000 customers across Denver, Adams, Jefferson, Arapahoe, Douglas, Broomfield, Boulder, Larimer and Weld counties might experience power outages. By 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Xcel indicated a precautionary outage would likely begin around 10 a.m. Wednesday, with the main impacts expected in foothill communities, including Jefferson, Boulder, Clear Creek, Larimer, and Weld counties.
Company leaders attributed the reduction in affected areas to up-to-date risk assessments, forecasting data, advanced modeling tools, and improvements to grid infrastructure. They emphasized that cutting power preemptively is not taken lightly and is used to minimize wildfire risk during critical fire weather conditions.
Forecasters from the National Weather Service project strong winds to develop across the Front Range mountains and foothills on Wednesday morning, then move toward the Eastern Plains. Expect widespread gusts of 60–75 mph, with isolated gusts possibly reaching 90 mph in wind-prone zones. The Denver metro area is forecast to experience the strongest winds between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Wednesday, before the gusts spread eastward.
Projected gust speeds include about 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 winds could reach around 46 mph in Boulder, 44 mph in Golden, 29 mph in Denver, 25 mph in Castle Rock, 32 mph in Fort Collins, and 37 mph in Colorado Springs. An elevated wind alert covers the Eastern Plains as the system advances east, with gusts up to 65 mph possible Wednesday night.
Denver and the Front Range have recently experienced a warm and dry spell, including a streak of at-or-near record temperatures. The National Weather Service noted that Denver tied the December 15 daily high record at 68 degrees, a record originally set in 1921. Another record-tying day could come Friday if the forecast high of 67 degrees materializes, tying the December 19, 2023 record.
If Xcel proceeds with preemptive outages, it would mark the utility’s second PSPS event in Colorado. In April 2024, roughly 55,000 customers were cut off, while an additional 250,000 customers experienced outages due to wind events, according to Xcel spokesperson Michelle Aguayo.
Power restoration will begin once high winds and fire danger subside, with crews prioritizing safety. Recovery times vary by location and can range from several hours to multiple days, as lines must be inspected comprehensively before service can be restored.
Whether or not preemptive outages occur, Xcel plans to implement enhanced powerline safety settings on Wednesday. These settings keep lines active but make them more sensitive to detect and shut off if issues arise, such as a tree limb contacting a line.
Customers can monitor outages via Xcel Energy’s outage map and report outages through their online accounts. They can also text OUT to 98936 to report an outage or STAT to check status. Rain and snow are possible on Wednesday, but current warmth makes significant snowfall unlikely.
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