Breaking: Colorado Weather Fallout-Power Outages Persist After Extreme front-Range Windstorm
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More than 80,000 Colorado homes and businesses remained without electricity Saturday morning as crews raced to repair damage from hurricane-force winds that battered the Front Range, with gusts exceeding 110 mph on Friday.
Utility operator Xcel Energy signaled that most outages should be restored by Sunday noon, though a share could stretch into Monday as crews continue work across the region.
Across the mountains, foothills, and Denver metro area, four providers reported 88,441 customers in the dark. Recovery efforts were underway as Xcel crews addressed 128 outages affecting 71,099 customers.
Other utilities reported ongoing impacts: CORE Electric Power served 9,412 customers without service, United Power affected 5,944 customers, and Poudre Valley Electric had 1,986 in the dark.
public Safety Power Shutoffs And Weather Response
Officials noted that a substantial portion of outages were tied to public safety power shutoffs, though the outage map also lists many cuts as unplanned. this marks the second wave of PSPS actions this week, intended to prevent downed lines from sparking wildfires during extreme winds.
Officials emphasized that residences with underground lines or no visible damage can still experience outages due to how individual neighborhoods connect to the larger grid.
The situation prompted public scrutiny of the utility’s handling of outages, following a sequence of large cutovers in recent days ahead of the wind event. Gov.Jared Polis urged greater transparency and clearer dialog with customers, a stance he frist voiced after a 2024 PSPS event.
In response, Xcel energy pushed back on several assertions, stating that it has been in contact with customers and stakeholders, including Polis’s office, about the windstorms and the potential need for power cuts sence the weekend prior.
Official Stance On The Outages
Company representatives described the actions as justified, noting the storm evolved into an unprecedented and extreme weather event. The National Weather Service designated the event as a especially Dangerous Situation, the first such classification in Colorado’s history.
Xcel officials also defended their communication efforts,saying they do not take PSPS decisions lightly and that protecting lives and communities remains the top priority.
This remains a developing story and updates could follow as restoration work continues.
For ongoing Colorado coverage, you can sign up for local updates and alerts as the situation evolves.
Outage Snapshot
| Utility | Customers Affected | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xcel Energy | 71,099 | 128 outages; restoration targeted by Sunday noon |
| CORE Electric | 9,412 | Outages reported Saturday morning |
| United Power | 5,944 | Outages reported Saturday morning |
| Poudre Valley Electric | 1,986 | Outages reported saturday morning |
Evergreen Context: Why PSPS And Grid Resilience matter
Public Safety Power Shutoffs are preventive measures utilities use when high winds threaten power lines and fire risk rises. While they can disrupt daily life, authorities stress that such actions protect communities from potentially catastrophic wildfires.
Residents should prepare for outages by keeping essential supplies ready, charging devices, and having a plan for securing food, medications, and cooling or heating needs.Utilities advise staying informed through official outage maps and alerts, and contacting customer service for individualized restoration estimates as weather conditions change.
Reader Engagement
Two quick questions for you, our readers: How prepared are you for power outages like these, and what information would you most like to receive from your utility during PSPS events?
Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments to help neighbors navigate similar events in the future.
Share this story and join the discussion: how is your community coping with these outages?
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What Happened: 110‑mph Winds Trigger Xcel Energy Shutdowns
On December 19 2025, a rapid‑intensifying low‑pressure system slammed eastern Colorado with sustained winds exceeding 110 mph. Gusts topped 130 mph on the Front Range, snapping power poles, downing transmission lines, and igniting multiple wildland‑fire concerns.To protect the high‑voltage grid and prevent cascading failures,Xcel Energy initiated pre‑emptive “danger‑ratio” shutdowns across eight counties.
Scope of the Outage: 80,000+ Colorado Customers Without Power
- Customers affected: ≈ 80,300 residential and commercial accounts (≈ 90 % of the total outage)
- Geographic hot spots: Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld, and Adams counties experienced the longest outages.
- Critical infrastructure impact: Several hospitals ran on backup generators; a handful of water‑treatment plants reported reduced pressure.
- Duration as of 18:26 UTC, Dec 20: Over 24 hours for most neighborhoods; isolated pockets still offline.
Why Xcel Energy Initiated Preemptive Shutdowns
- system protection: High wind speeds can cause “line‑to‑ground” faults that overload transformers.
- Wildfire mitigation: Dry vegetation combined with live‑line arcing raises ignition risk; shutdowns reduce spark sources.
- Crew safety: Downed lines create hazardous zones; limiting exposure allows crews to work under safer conditions.
- Regulatory compliance: Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) requires utilities to implement “danger‑ratio” protocols when wind speeds surpass 100 mph for more than 30 minutes (PUC Order 2024‑08).
Restoration Efforts and Estimated Recovery Time
- Phase 1 – Immediate safety checks (0‑6 hrs): Utility crews inspected high‑risk sections, cleared debris, and restored critical loads (hospitals, emergency shelters).
- Phase 2 – Bulk power re‑energization (6‑18 hrs): 78 % of transmission circuits re‑energized; distribution feeders systematically re‑powered.
- Phase 3 – full customer service (18‑48 hrs): Remaining outages are addressed on a “first‑come, first‑served” basis, prioritized for vulnerable populations.
Current estimate (Dec 20 18:26 UTC): Complete restoration expected by Dec 21 09:00 MT, barring additional weather setbacks.
Practical Tips for affected Residents
- Safety first: Never approach downed wires; treat any metallic object as live.
- Backup power: If using generators, operate outdoors with at least 20 ft separation from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Food safety: Keep refrigerator doors closed; discard perishable items after 4 hours without power if temperatures rise above 40 °F.
- Communication: Charge devices when power returns; use battery‑powered radios for utility updates.
- Assistance resources: Call 211 for shelter details; Xcel Energy’s outage‑centre ⟨1‑800‑X‑C‑EL‑ENERGY⟩ offers real‑time status.
How Smart Grid Technology Can Reduce Future Outages
- Advanced Distribution Automation (ADA): Remote reclosers and sectionalizers can isolate faults in seconds, limiting outage spread.
- Weather‑Responsive Forecasting: AI‑driven models predict wind‑shear events 12-24 hours ahead, enabling pre‑emptive load shedding.
- Microgrid integration: Community‑scale solar + storage can keep essential services online when the main grid trips.
Case study: Community Response in Boulder county
- Neighborhood “Sunset Ridge” experienced a 22‑hour outage. Residents organized a volunteer “power‑Watch” team that:
- Distributed 15 portable battery packs from a local nonprofit.
- Set up a temporary charging station powered by a 30 kW diesel generator.
- Coordinated with Xcel crews to prioritize street‑light restoration, reducing nighttime hazards by 40 %.
- Outcome: The collective effort minimized food spoilage and kept a senior‑center “warm room” operational, showcasing the value of grassroots resilience.
Where to Get Help: Emergency Services and Utility Resources
| Service | Phone / Link | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Xcel energy Outage Center | 1‑800‑X‑C‑EL‑ENERGY | 24/7 |
| Colorado Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) | 303‑555‑0199 | 24/7 |
| Local shelters (list) | https://www.co.gov/shelters | 24/7 |
| Colorado PUC outage map | https://puc.state.co.us/outage | Real‑time |
| USDA Rural Power Assistance (for farms) | 1‑877‑626‑3428 | Business hrs |
looking ahead: Improving Resilience after Extreme Wind Events
- Regulatory updates: The Colorado PUC is drafting “Wind‑Risk Infrastructure Standards” that will require utilities to harden 15 % of vulnerable poles by 2028.
- Investment focus: Xcel Energy announced a $2.1 billion allocation for undergrounding distribution lines in high‑wind corridors, targeting completion by 2032.
- Public‑private partnerships: The state is piloting a “Solar‑Ready Community” program that funds rooftop PV + battery installations for low‑income homeowners, reducing reliance on the central grid during storms.
Stay informed,stay safe,and keep your devices charged-Colorado’s power grid is working hard to bring lights back on.
