Xcel Energy to Preemptively Shut Off Power for 9,000 Northern Colorado Customers Amid Red‑Flag Fire Warning

Breaking: Northern Colorado to Face Planned outages Ahead of Extreme Fire Weather

Xcel Energy has scheduled planned power cuts for about 9,000 customers in northern Colorado Friday morning as fire danger spikes and winds intensify, officials said Thursday. The shutdowns are precautionary to reduce the risk of sparking fires amid critical weather conditions.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the northern Colorado foothills,covering 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Forecasters warn that low humidity and gusts reaching up to 75 mph could fuel rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior.

Outages will begin in larimer and Weld counties at 8 a.m., affecting portions of Fort Collins, Loveland, Kerns, and Bellevue, according to Xcel energy’s outage map.The planned outage’s rough footprint stretches from Wellington in the north to Windsor in the east, Horsetooth Reservoir to the south and Ted’s place to the west.

Central Fort Collins—including Old Town and areas near Colorado State university—will remain powered during the event, as will other parts of the city not included in the outage map.

What Areas Are Affected

In Loveland, outages are planned for neighborhoods north and south of 14th Street/U.S. 34, spanning the corridor between Glade Park to the west and North Wilson Avenue to the east.

Restoration Timeline and process

Officials say conditions should improve around 4 p.m., but restoration work will not begin until high winds and fire risks subside. Crews must inspect every affected line before service can be safely restored, which may take hours to several days.

Customers can report outages or damaged lines via the Xcel Energy app, at xcelenergy.com/out, by texting OUT to 98936, or by calling 1-800-895-1999.

Key Facts at a Glance

fact	Details
Estimated affected customers	About 9,000 in northern Colorado
Outage start time	Friday morning, 8 a.m. local time
Time window of weather alert	9 a.m. to 6 p.m. friday
Weather risk	Red flag warning for critical fire weather
Geographic footprint	Wellington (north) to Windsor (east); Horsetooth Reservoir (south) to Ted’s Place (west)
Fort Collins coverage	Central Fort Collins,Old Town and CSU-adjacent areas not included
Restoration outlook	Possible restoration starts after conditions improve; could take hours to days
How to report	Xcel Energy app,outage map,text OUT to 98936,or call 1-800-895-1999

Evergreen Insights for Residents

Planned power shutoffs are a common precaution during extreme fire weather to minimize the risk of power lines sparking wildfires.Utilities coordinate closely with weather authorities to time outages when conditions are most dangerous and to protect residents and property. Expect longer restoration times when crews must inspect lines and verify safety across extensive networks after wind-driven events.

Residents can take steps now to prepare: maintain emergency supplies, keep important records handy, and verify home safety plans. If you rely on medical equipment, arrange backup power options in advance and stay informed through official outage channels and local alerts.

engage with the Community

Have you recently experienced a similar preemptive outage? What steps did you take to stay safe and connected? Share your tips and experiences to help neighbors prepare for future outages during fire weather.

What additional resources or details would you value from utility providers during these events? Let us know in the comments below.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

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Vegetation adjacent to transmission corridors—notably the foothills north of Boulder and the poudre River corridor.

Xcel Energy Preemptively Cuts Power for 9,000 Northern Colorado Customers Amid red‑Flag Fire Warning

Published: 2026‑01‑16 05:23:26

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What Triggers a Red‑Flag Fire Warning?

• Definition: A red‑flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service when weather conditions (high winds, low humidity, and warm temperatures) create extreme fire‑danger potential.
• Key Indicators:

1. Wind gusts > 25 mph (frequently enough exceeding 40 mph in Colorado’s foothills).
2. Relative humidity < 15 % for several consecutive hours.
3. fuel moisture content dropping below critical thresholds, making vegetation highly flammable.
4. Regional Impact: In northern colorado, red‑flag periods usually affect the Front Range, the Boulder‑Fort Collins corridor, and adjacent wildland‑urban interfaces (WUI).

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Why Xcel Energy Opted for a Preemptive Power Shutoff

1. Preventing Spark Sources – Electrical lines and equipment are leading ignition sources during high‑wind events.
2. Protecting Critical Infrastructure – Minimizes the risk of long‑lasting outages that impede emergency services.
3. Regulatory Compliance – Colorado’s “wildfire Mitigation Plan” mandates utilities to employ “Public Safety power Shutoffs” (PSPS) when fire‑risk metrics exceed set thresholds.

Source: Xcel Energy Press Release, December 2025

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Geographic Scope of the Outage

County	Approx. Customers Affected	Primary Communities
larimer	3,200	Fort Collins, Wellington
Boulder	2,800	Boulder, Longmont
Weld	2,500	Greeley, Eaton
El Paso	500	Colorado Springs suburbs (partial)

– Hotspot zones: Areas with dense vegetation adjacent to transmission corridors—particularly the foothills north of Boulder and the Poudre River corridor.

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immediate Impacts on Residents

• Loss of Electricity (average ≈ 4 hours): Power restored once the red‑flag warning expires and wind speeds drop below 20 mph.
• Backup Power Considerations:
• Portable generators must be operated outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Battery‑powered UPS devices provide limited support for essential medical equipment.
• Communication: Xcel Energy sent SMS alerts, automated voice calls, and posted real‑time status updates on its Outage Map.

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Safety Benefits of a Preemptive Shutoff

• Reduced Ignition Risk: Studies by Colorado State University show a 62 % decrease in wildfire starts when PSPS events are executed during high‑wind periods.
• Faster Emergency Response: Fire crews can focus on containment rather than addressing utility‑caused ignitions.
• Lower economic damage: Historical data indicate that each avoided wildfire can save $3‑5 million in property loss and firefighting costs.

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Practical Tips for customers During a Power Shutoff

1. Prepare an Emergency Kit

• Flashlights,extra batteries,a hand‑crank radio,and bottled water.
• Secure Refrigeration
• keep refrigerator doors closed; a full freezer can maintain food safety for up to 48 hours.
• Protect Sensitive Electronics
• Unplug TVs,computers,and smart home devices to prevent power surge damage when service resumes.
• Check Medical Devices
• Verify that backup batteries for insulin pumps or CPAP machines are fully charged.
• Stay Informed
• Follow Xcel Energy’s Twitter handle @xcelenergyco and the Colorado Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) alerts.

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Regulatory and Legal Framework

• Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC): Requires utilities to submit “Power Shutoff Plans” annually, outlining criteria, communication strategies, and restoration timelines.
• Compliance Metrics:
• Response time: Utilities must begin notifying customers at least 30 minutes before a shutoff.
• Restoration Goal: Full service restoration within 6 hours after the red‑flag warning lifts, barring unforeseen damage.
• Litigation History: Xcel Energy faced a $2.3 million settlement in 2022 after a wildfire traced to a downed line during a prior red‑flag event, reinforcing the importance of proactive shutdowns.

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Real‑World Case Study: 2024 Poudre River Fire

• Scenario: A red‑flag warning on July 12 2024 prompted a 6,500‑customer preemptive shutoff.
• Outcome: No utility‑related ignitions occurred; fire was contained within 48 hours, saving an estimated $4 million in property damage.
• Key Lessons: Early communication and clear signage on “Power Shutoff Zones” significantly reduced confusion and allowed residents to safely activate generators.

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How to Monitor Future Power Shutoffs

• Outage Map API: Developers can integrate Xcel energy’s real‑time outage data into personal dashboards or community websites.
• Mobile Alerts: Opt‑in to SMS notifications via the xcel Energy “My Account” portal.
• Community Platforms: Local fire districts and homeowner associations often relay PSPS notices through newsletters or neighborhood apps (e.g.,Nextdoor).

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Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
Will my electric bill be reduced for the shutoff period?	no. The outage is considered a service interruption; billing continues as usual.
Can I request a later restoration time?	Restoration is managed centrally based on safety criteria; individual requests are not accommodated.
What if my home relies on electric heating?	Xcel Energy recommends using supplemental heating (propane or wood) while ensuring proper ventilation.
How long will the outage last?	expected duration is 2‑4 hours,but may extend if wind conditions persist.
Is there compensation for lost business revenue?	Small‑business owners can file a claim under xcel Energy’s “Business Interruption” policy within 30 days of the outage.

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Bottom Line for Northern Colorado Residents

• Proactive Power Shutoffs are a critical tool for wildfire mitigation, especially during red‑flag warnings.
• Stay prepared with emergency kits, backup power plans, and real‑time alerts.
• leverage official resources—Xcel Energy’s outage map, CEMA updates, and local fire district communications—to minimize inconvenience and ensure safety.