Xcel Energy Outages, Billing and Customer Response
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Please visit the PSPS feedback page here.
Beginning in 2024, the Public Utilities Commission noticed a significant increase in complaints and comments from the public regarding outages and billing issues on Xcel Energy's electric system. Media outlets across the state also reported on the outages. In response, the Commission ordered staff to open an investigation into these issues, which found the following:
- Xcel customers have been experiencing a trend of more outages and outage minutes since 2015, even after accounting for severe weather events
- System-wide outage minutes in 2024 were significantly higher than the trend between 2015-2023
- Outages were widespread across Xcel’s service territory in Colorado
- Wildfire Safety Operations were a significant driver of outages in 2024 but did not fully account for higher levels of outages
- The 15 worst performing feeders--which transmit power from a power source, such as a substation or distribution point, to consumers--account for a substantial portion of 2024 outage minutes
- Low staffing levels for customer service personnel corresponded with significant drops in customer service performance
- Consumers are experiencing a high number of billing complaints with unusually long resolution timelines.
Xcel responded publicly to the Commission investigations, acknowledging the challenges customers faced in 2024 and committing to improving performance in each of these areas. The Commission then ordered Xcel to report quarterly on a variety of outage and customers service metrics.
As the PUC continues to receive complaints from Xcel customers on these issues, we have created this new, easy-to-use platform for customers to share their experiences and ideas. This input will help the PUC better understand the scope of remaining issues as it determines next steps. Information collected here will be added to Proceeding Number 25M-0265E.
As this proceeding moves forward, we will provide updates through this tool.
Are you looking to provide feedback on a Public Safety Power Outage?
Please visit the PSPS feedback page here.
Beginning in 2024, the Public Utilities Commission noticed a significant increase in complaints and comments from the public regarding outages and billing issues on Xcel Energy's electric system. Media outlets across the state also reported on the outages. In response, the Commission ordered staff to open an investigation into these issues, which found the following:
- Xcel customers have been experiencing a trend of more outages and outage minutes since 2015, even after accounting for severe weather events
- System-wide outage minutes in 2024 were significantly higher than the trend between 2015-2023
- Outages were widespread across Xcel’s service territory in Colorado
- Wildfire Safety Operations were a significant driver of outages in 2024 but did not fully account for higher levels of outages
- The 15 worst performing feeders--which transmit power from a power source, such as a substation or distribution point, to consumers--account for a substantial portion of 2024 outage minutes
- Low staffing levels for customer service personnel corresponded with significant drops in customer service performance
- Consumers are experiencing a high number of billing complaints with unusually long resolution timelines.
Xcel responded publicly to the Commission investigations, acknowledging the challenges customers faced in 2024 and committing to improving performance in each of these areas. The Commission then ordered Xcel to report quarterly on a variety of outage and customers service metrics.
As the PUC continues to receive complaints from Xcel customers on these issues, we have created this new, easy-to-use platform for customers to share their experiences and ideas. This input will help the PUC better understand the scope of remaining issues as it determines next steps. Information collected here will be added to Proceeding Number 25M-0265E.
As this proceeding moves forward, we will provide updates through this tool.
Share Your Story
Have you had an experience with Xcel's customer service follow up? Or an outage experience? We'd love to hear from you.
Note: These stories are posted publicly but your name does not need to be included. Please do not share identifying information if you wish to remain anonymous.
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Ruined food risk to older adults
by Caregiver for elderly, 2 days agoI am a caregiver for my elderly parents at home. This is a continuing trend. I know I'm not the only person who relies heavily on consistent power for cooking cleaning and personal care all times of the day. The power outages have been more often, almost as often as some suburbs in Mexico, which is almost a third world country. The losses are beyond just replacing food and doing one's laundry all over again. They include the stress of not knowing when the power will be restored, the stress of not having a meal ready at the time it... Continue readingI am a caregiver for my elderly parents at home. This is a continuing trend. I know I'm not the only person who relies heavily on consistent power for cooking cleaning and personal care all times of the day. The power outages have been more often, almost as often as some suburbs in Mexico, which is almost a third world country. The losses are beyond just replacing food and doing one's laundry all over again. They include the stress of not knowing when the power will be restored, the stress of not having a meal ready at the time it needs to be served or brought to someone's house, the stress of not being able to use the internet and pay more for data, and more importantly the stress of not knowing if a medical device will work when it's needed. Xcel needs to work on isolating areas so less people are impacted during an incident whether weather related or construction, etc. They also need to reimburse us in some way. -
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“Three Days Without Power After Moving”
by Edd, 5 days agoI recently moved into a new apartment and have now been here for three days without electricity. I have contacted Xcel Energy multiple times, and each time I have been told that I need to keep waiting. Despite providing the information and documentation requested, my service still has not been turned on.I have children living in the home, and this situation is becoming extremely difficult. I have food and groceries that are going bad because I have no electricity to keep my refrigerator and freezer running. Groceries are expensive, and I do not have the money to replace everything that... Continue reading
I recently moved into a new apartment and have now been here for three days without electricity. I have contacted Xcel Energy multiple times, and each time I have been told that I need to keep waiting. Despite providing the information and documentation requested, my service still has not been turned on.I have children living in the home, and this situation is becoming extremely difficult. I have food and groceries that are going bad because I have no electricity to keep my refrigerator and freezer running. Groceries are expensive, and I do not have the money to replace everything that is being lost.I specifically notified customer service that I have children in the home and that my food was going to spoil, but I did not feel that my concerns were taken seriously. I have continued to follow their instructions and provide everything they have requested, yet my service keeps being delayed.I understand that moving into a new apartment may require setting up new service, but people move in and out of apartments every day. I do not understand why something as basic as connecting electricity to a new residence has taken three days, especially after I have provided everything required.I am asking Xcel Energy to take responsibility for this situation, provide a clear explanation for the continued delay, and address the cost of the groceries I have lost because I have been left without electricity. My children need electricity, and my family should not have to continue waiting without a reasonable explanation or solution.
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Red Fox Hills Outages in Gunbarrel (Unincorporated Boulder County)
by lindsaycat, 6 days agoMy household/neighborhood has experienced no less than 13 documented power outages in 2026 (Feb–Sep), most lasting several hours, with no correlation to weather events, storms, heat waves, or announced Xcel maintenance. Four outages occurred within the month of August alone (8/8, 8/16, 8/22, 8/29), suggesting accelerating infrastructure failure specific to our neighborhood distribution circuit. Adjacent areas report stable service during the same periods, indicating localized rather than system-wide issues. Several neighbors are now relying on backup power methods (gas generators, home battery systems, etc.) to combat Xcel's reliability shortcomings. This is both costly and unacceptable.
OUTAGE LOG (13 Events in... Continue reading
My household/neighborhood has experienced no less than 13 documented power outages in 2026 (Feb–Sep), most lasting several hours, with no correlation to weather events, storms, heat waves, or announced Xcel maintenance. Four outages occurred within the month of August alone (8/8, 8/16, 8/22, 8/29), suggesting accelerating infrastructure failure specific to our neighborhood distribution circuit. Adjacent areas report stable service during the same periods, indicating localized rather than system-wide issues. Several neighbors are now relying on backup power methods (gas generators, home battery systems, etc.) to combat Xcel's reliability shortcomings. This is both costly and unacceptable.
OUTAGE LOG (13 Events in 2026):
- Feb 2
- Mar 14
- Mar 18
- Mar 19
- Jul 3
- Jul 17
- Jul 21
- Aug 8
- Aug 16
- Aug 22
- Aug 29
- Sep 14
- Sep 15
REQUESTED ACTIONS:
- Request that CPUC staff review Xcel Energy outage data for this specific circuit/transformer bank
- Require Xcel to provide root cause analysis for these repeated failures
- Document this complaint as part of Proceeding 25M-0265E investigation
- Notify complainant of any planned infrastructure upgrades affecting Red Fox Hills area
As residents of unincorporated Boulder County, my neighbors and I depend on reliable electrical service for daily living. Continued unexplained disruptions affect home safety, work-from-home capacity, refrigeration, heating/cooling systems, and overall quality of life. I trust the PUC will help ensure that customers in our neighborhood receive service meeting reasonable reliability standards.
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Frequent Outages in Gunbarrel Area/Boulder County Colorado
by InTheDarkInGunbarrel, 12 days agoHello,
I'm not surprised to see so many of us from Gunbarrel posting here as the power outages have been constant this summer. I live in unincorporated Boulder County near Spine and Jay Road. I requested a list from Xcel and these are the dates listed just since December 2025. 12/17, 12/19 2025, 2/2, 3/14, 3/18, 3/19, 7/3, 8/8, 8/16, 8/29, 9/14 2026. The explanation on the report they sent me and from the customer support rep I spoke to as a follow-up said the root causes are overloaded equipment, animals, weather, etc but the lines are set to be... Continue reading
Hello,
I'm not surprised to see so many of us from Gunbarrel posting here as the power outages have been constant this summer. I live in unincorporated Boulder County near Spine and Jay Road. I requested a list from Xcel and these are the dates listed just since December 2025. 12/17, 12/19 2025, 2/2, 3/14, 3/18, 3/19, 7/3, 8/8, 8/16, 8/29, 9/14 2026. The explanation on the report they sent me and from the customer support rep I spoke to as a follow-up said the root causes are overloaded equipment, animals, weather, etc but the lines are set to be very sensitive for fire mitigation so that's why they're being tripped so often. I'm waiting to hear from the area Engineer about what they're doing to improve this situation before filing a PUC complaint. The undergrounding at 75th street is fire mitigation but it seems like overloaded and outdated equipment is the underlying issue (right as they're building a huge new apartment complex on Spine Road).
I've lived in this area for decades and it's never been like this - something's amiss!
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Western CO outages
by NoGood4Us, 15 days agoOur community has experienced over 6, long term (2+ hrs), no notification outages. No rebates, no customer support, just take your money when natural gas prices were $0.80. We here are disparagaged with the utter lack of service and support from Xcel. There needs to be some level of transparency! We are victim to outages with no foreknowledge or explaint thereafter.Our community has experienced over 6, long term (2+ hrs), no notification outages. No rebates, no customer support, just take your money when natural gas prices were $0.80. We here are disparagaged with the utter lack of service and support from Xcel. There needs to be some level of transparency! We are victim to outages with no foreknowledge or explaint thereafter. -
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Power outages
by Slaves2xcel, 19 days agoThey hike the rates but can't keep the power on! Power has been out since 8:30pm September 7 and isn't expected back on until noon on Sept 8. There will be spoiled food,I work from home and have now lost wages and have to delay shipping and have upset customers. Im sure there are others worse off but Xcel won't be offering bill credits or any sort of compensation for loss and we are all stuck with this monopoly.
They hike the rates but can't keep the power on! Power has been out since 8:30pm September 7 and isn't expected back on until noon on Sept 8. There will be spoiled food,I work from home and have now lost wages and have to delay shipping and have upset customers. Im sure there are others worse off but Xcel won't be offering bill credits or any sort of compensation for loss and we are all stuck with this monopoly.
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Xcel needs a new billing format for customers with solar panels
by Akubra91, 25 days agoHello,I have been pestering Xcel for months about the obscure nature of their electric bills for customers with solar panels. After several conversations with them, it is obvious that they need a new billing format for customers with solar panels. There should be obvious information on how the roll over credit was calculated. It is currently called a recurring charge! I was told my current bill had an electricity charge of $8.83. Impossible to figure this out on your own. You have to call Xcel.
Please have Xcel create a billing format that solar panel owners can actually comprehend.
Hello,I have been pestering Xcel for months about the obscure nature of their electric bills for customers with solar panels. After several conversations with them, it is obvious that they need a new billing format for customers with solar panels. There should be obvious information on how the roll over credit was calculated. It is currently called a recurring charge! I was told my current bill had an electricity charge of $8.83. Impossible to figure this out on your own. You have to call Xcel.
Please have Xcel create a billing format that solar panel owners can actually comprehend.
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Regular outages, no explanation
by natalielphie, 27 days agoHi there, I am an Xcel customer in Gunbarrel, specifically the block from Spine to 63rd, bordered by Jay and Lookout. We have had over 5 outages in the last 50 days with no explanation. What issues need fixing? When will this be fixed?The last 50 days doesn’t even include several multi-day outages where residents lost all their food and suffered in cold temperatures.
Not only are these outages inconvenient, but they are occurring frequently enough that a sustainable solution is required from the county of Boulder. The cell service here is so bad that, without electricity and WiFi... Continue reading
Hi there, I am an Xcel customer in Gunbarrel, specifically the block from Spine to 63rd, bordered by Jay and Lookout. We have had over 5 outages in the last 50 days with no explanation. What issues need fixing? When will this be fixed?The last 50 days doesn’t even include several multi-day outages where residents lost all their food and suffered in cold temperatures.
Not only are these outages inconvenient, but they are occurring frequently enough that a sustainable solution is required from the county of Boulder. The cell service here is so bad that, without electricity and WiFi, we have no abilities to communicate or get updates on the situation. It’s 2026, we should have a solution in place. It’s time for municipal utilities and buried power lines.
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Frequent outages in the Gunbarrel district in Boulder, Colorado
by Ken, 27 days agoHello,I have been living in Habitat Apartments in Gunbarrel since November 2023. Besides the planned power outages due to high winds, during which we are the last to have our power restored, we have frequent short outages lasting a few hours for no apparent reason. If the records are checked, one will see these spurious outages around once a month. The situation is unacceptable. I am 75, and I have never lived in a place that loses power this often, for no reason.
This situation needs to be resolved.
Thank you,
Kenneth Schalhoub
6175 Habitat Drive, Apt. 1061
Boulder... Continue reading
Hello,I have been living in Habitat Apartments in Gunbarrel since November 2023. Besides the planned power outages due to high winds, during which we are the last to have our power restored, we have frequent short outages lasting a few hours for no apparent reason. If the records are checked, one will see these spurious outages around once a month. The situation is unacceptable. I am 75, and I have never lived in a place that loses power this often, for no reason.
This situation needs to be resolved.
Thank you,
Kenneth Schalhoub
6175 Habitat Drive, Apt. 1061
Boulder, CO 80301
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Experience with Xcel in Johnstown
by Kyle , about 1 month agoIn my apartment, Johnstown CO, 4590 Trade St. Xcel energy has had outages for more than 50+ hours alone in 2026. Despite the increase in outages, the time of outages has also increased. Not only that, the monthly bill continues to increase. Customer service is minimal, as well as expected return of power updates.They might say power will return in one hour, but we may not have power for up to 12 hours. This has happened twice this year alone.
In my apartment, Johnstown CO, 4590 Trade St. Xcel energy has had outages for more than 50+ hours alone in 2026. Despite the increase in outages, the time of outages has also increased. Not only that, the monthly bill continues to increase. Customer service is minimal, as well as expected return of power updates.They might say power will return in one hour, but we may not have power for up to 12 hours. This has happened twice this year alone.
If you have already contacted Xcel about an issue, and allowed sufficient time for a response, but it remains unresolved, you can submit a complaint to the PUC.
Information collected here will be added to Proceeding Number 25M-0265E.