Xcel Energy Cuts Power to 55,000 Customers in Colorado Due to Wildfire Concerns
A power company in Colorado, Xcel Energy, made a bold decision on Saturday to cut power to roughly 55,000 customers as powerful winds, some reaching speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, battered the state. The move was in response to wildfire concerns as the National Weather Service warned of extreme fire weather conditions.
The company announced that it would be proactively de-energizing lines affecting customers primarily in Boulder County and small parts of Broomfield, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Larimer counties. The shut-off was scheduled to start at 3 p.m. local time and last until at least noon on Sunday, with outages likely to persist beyond that timeframe as crews needed to physically inspect the power lines.
Xcel Energy emphasized that the temporary power shutdown was necessary to prevent their electric system from becoming the source of a wildfire ignition. The National Weather Service in Boulder, Colo., also warned of increasing winds, with the strongest gusts expected between Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
The Storm Prediction Center issued alerts for fire danger across multiple states, including Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. More than 77,000 people were in an area deemed “extreme” fire risk, while over 2.9 million people were in areas deemed “critical.”
In light of the high winds, forecasters cautioned against activities that could produce sparks and advised people to stay indoors if possible. Xcel Energy urged customers to prepare for extended outages, especially those who rely on medical equipment that requires electrical service.
The South Metro Fire Rescue provided guidance for those dependent on oxygen tanks, recommending they have enough spare bottles to last through the outage period or consider alternative accommodations. They also warned against using outdoor stoves indoors for heating or cooking and advised proper ventilation for generators if used.
As the state braced for potentially dangerous fire conditions, residents were urged to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this challenging time.
