Outages and communication problems

I am writing you all because of ongoing issues with Xcel Energy, and they are not at all being held accountable.

I’d like to start with the safety shut offs that have occurred several times in recent months and the lack of transparency to Colorado residents, particularly Jeffco who seems to have the most shut offs by far. First of all, Xcel customers went days with no updates during the shut offs. I checked the website so many times and the information just stayed the same. No updated ETA on restoration and 0 updates on the “progress” of checking “hundreds of miles of power lines.” Not only has there been no transparency, but these shut offs lasted DAYS after the wind events stopped in Colorado. I really want to know why this timeline makes any sense at all. In total, I estimate that I had over 8 days of no power between both shut offs. Over a WEEK!

The shut offs are just the start of Xcel’s reliability issues. I can recall AT LEAST 3 times or more since these wind events months ago where the power has been cut when there were ZERO planned outages. I understand that power outages can occur from time to time, but why is this continuously happening when it’s sunny and 80 outside? Flash forward to today. They cut the power AGAIN. This time for over 3 hours if not longer. Then they send a text saying power to be restored around 7:40, then power came back on a few minutes after that. That’s a 2.5 hour difference. Why are they Incapable of communicating correct information? There’s just no reason for it.

I want to address the area out of outages. Every time there is an outage (planned or not) Union West Apartments is effected and NONE of the surrounding commercial nor residential buildings are affected. And when I say next door - I literally mean the VA next to me, the street lights, etc. NEVER LOSE POWER. Why are certain areas being affected repeatedly and others not at all???

I am healthy and in my 30s. I can survive a few hours in a stuffy or chilly apartment. What about my pets? What about the elderly, ill, and other at risk populations? That’s the biggest concern.

This happens nearly every month and when you check the website, ZERO transparency. Did a car hit a pole? Is there some sort of grid failure that isn’t being addressed? Colorado residents would be much more understanding if Xcel took just a moment or 2 to explain their outages. I believe whole heartedly that Xcel is doing this on purpose OR there is a grid failure that isn’t being addressed properly. From my research, a utility loses money and has nothing to gain during a power outage - which I find very difficult to believe in this case. I myself am a claims investigator - so please know I’ve looked at his from every possible angle and it still comes down to what I believe is intentional unplanned shut offs. Xcel is likely profiting more after shut offs than on a normal day because of the amount of energy it takes to heat/cool residential and commercial buildings alike.

Jefferson County has by far been unfairly affected by these outages. Xcel has got to go if they can’t figure this out!