Xcel Energy Outages, Billing and Customer Response

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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.

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.

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  • Share Power Outages during very very hot summer days. on Facebook Share Power Outages during very very hot summer days. on X (formerly Twitter) Share Power Outages during very very hot summer days. on Linkedin Email Power Outages during very very hot summer days. link

    Power Outages during very very hot summer days.

    by Concerned Citizens, about 1 month ago
    Xcel in garfield county continues to have very long power outages ranging from 2hrs, to 6+ hrs. On 4 different occasions on this very hot summer of 2026, with weather of 90+ °F, there have been multiple power outages at times people need AC and cooling the most. Even with increasing power outages, electricity costs continue to increase, and i do not understand how ten years ago, with out the technology we have today, we had a lot less outages happening (especially such hot weather. ) It truly is a growing concern of mine and many within our community.

    Our... Continue reading

    Xcel in garfield county continues to have very long power outages ranging from 2hrs, to 6+ hrs. On 4 different occasions on this very hot summer of 2026, with weather of 90+ °F, there have been multiple power outages at times people need AC and cooling the most. Even with increasing power outages, electricity costs continue to increase, and i do not understand how ten years ago, with out the technology we have today, we had a lot less outages happening (especially such hot weather. ) It truly is a growing concern of mine and many within our community.

    Our pets have also been of much concern, as the weather is currently, it is impossible to keep a pet at a reasonable and safe temperature while outside, additionally to that now if has become a common occurrence with power outages, that is also a concern we hold within our own homes.



    Infrastructure and protections against these situations must improve.





  • Share Xcel in Wellington on Facebook Share Xcel in Wellington on X (formerly Twitter) Share Xcel in Wellington on Linkedin Email Xcel in Wellington link

    Xcel in Wellington

    by GT from Wellington, about 1 month ago
    It’s a regular occurrence for outages in Wellington that are unrelated to wind. No explanations are given but when it happens on the coldest days in winter or the hottest days in summer it creates a lot of added logistics to navigate and expenses. By far the worst power company I’ve ever had. This number of outages isn’t normal.
    It’s a regular occurrence for outages in Wellington that are unrelated to wind. No explanations are given but when it happens on the coldest days in winter or the hottest days in summer it creates a lot of added logistics to navigate and expenses. By far the worst power company I’ve ever had. This number of outages isn’t normal.
  • Share Regular power outages for hours in Lakewood on Facebook Share Regular power outages for hours in Lakewood on X (formerly Twitter) Share Regular power outages for hours in Lakewood on Linkedin Email Regular power outages for hours in Lakewood link

    Regular power outages for hours in Lakewood

    by Pgrout, about 1 month ago
    We have had constant power outages for the last month. Our power lines are below ground. Xcel does not communicate what is going on or follow up about what the problem was and how they are fixing it for the long term. This is important since it has been a repeating issue.
    We have had constant power outages for the last month. Our power lines are below ground. Xcel does not communicate what is going on or follow up about what the problem was and how they are fixing it for the long term. This is important since it has been a repeating issue.
  • Share West Arvada Recent Outages on Facebook Share West Arvada Recent Outages on X (formerly Twitter) Share West Arvada Recent Outages on Linkedin Email West Arvada Recent Outages link

    West Arvada Recent Outages

    by West Woods Resident, about 1 month ago
    We have had at least 8 power outages over the past month in West Arvada, each ranging from several minutes to several hours at a time. I have never experienced so many frequent outages living in Colorado or anywhere else. These unplanned outages have been very frustrating and disruptive.
    We have had at least 8 power outages over the past month in West Arvada, each ranging from several minutes to several hours at a time. I have never experienced so many frequent outages living in Colorado or anywhere else. These unplanned outages have been very frustrating and disruptive.
  • Share 4 weeks of power outages in Erie. on Facebook Share 4 weeks of power outages in Erie. on X (formerly Twitter) Share 4 weeks of power outages in Erie. on Linkedin Email 4 weeks of power outages in Erie. link

    4 weeks of power outages in Erie.

    by dbratto, about 1 month ago
    We have been having multiple power outages a week in Erie (HWY7 & Bonanza) for 4 weeks now. What's going on?
    We have been having multiple power outages a week in Erie (HWY7 & Bonanza) for 4 weeks now. What's going on?
  • Share Why are there so many power outages on Facebook Share Why are there so many power outages on X (formerly Twitter) Share Why are there so many power outages on Linkedin Email Why are there so many power outages link

    Why are there so many power outages

    by Unhappy in aurora, about 1 month ago

    high rates and unreliable power are bad combination! Aurora has had an average of one multiple hour outage a month for almost a year. What is xcel doing about it? They should reduce the high returns to shareholders and fix their infrastructure!

    high rates and unreliable power are bad combination! Aurora has had an average of one multiple hour outage a month for almost a year. What is xcel doing about it? They should reduce the high returns to shareholders and fix their infrastructure!

  • Share Unreliable Service on Facebook Share Unreliable Service on X (formerly Twitter) Share Unreliable Service on Linkedin Email Unreliable Service link

    Unreliable Service

    by Phoebe Davis-Brown, about 1 month ago

    It seems like I experience an hours long unplanned, unexplained outage at least once a month, without any extreme weather conditions. I am currently dealing with a seemingly random outage caused by nothing after paying a $200 electric bill yesterday. The fact that Xcel can charge so much without even providing a reliable service is unacceptable. They need to be held accountable and honestly shouldn’t be trusted with our utilities anymore. This can’t go on.

    It seems like I experience an hours long unplanned, unexplained outage at least once a month, without any extreme weather conditions. I am currently dealing with a seemingly random outage caused by nothing after paying a $200 electric bill yesterday. The fact that Xcel can charge so much without even providing a reliable service is unacceptable. They need to be held accountable and honestly shouldn’t be trusted with our utilities anymore. This can’t go on.

  • Share Arvada Westwoods Power Outages on Facebook Share Arvada Westwoods Power Outages on X (formerly Twitter) Share Arvada Westwoods Power Outages on Linkedin Email Arvada Westwoods Power Outages link

    Arvada Westwoods Power Outages

    by Sam M., about 2 months ago
    We have had 4-5 power outages in the last couple weeks without any explanation. These were not planned outages and happened on perfectly sunny, normal weather days. This is unacceptable.
    • June 12, June 16, June 21, June 22
    We have had 4-5 power outages in the last couple weeks without any explanation. These were not planned outages and happened on perfectly sunny, normal weather days. This is unacceptable.
    • June 12, June 16, June 21, June 22
  • Share Disconnection Threats with No Remedy Possible on Facebook Share Disconnection Threats with No Remedy Possible on X (formerly Twitter) Share Disconnection Threats with No Remedy Possible on Linkedin Email Disconnection Threats with No Remedy Possible link

    Disconnection Threats with No Remedy Possible

    by Someone, about 2 months ago

    Xcel sent me a final notice for disconnection because their contractor was not able to access my meter for smart meter replacement. The instructions to avoid disconnection are to schedule an appointment directly with their contractor. The issue is that the contractor cannot be contacted and all you hear when calling is that the voice mailbox of who you are trying to reach has not been set up. If Xcel is going to threaten to shut power off, they should ensure the remedy is actually possible. I have no control over an incompetent contractor.

    Xcel sent me a final notice for disconnection because their contractor was not able to access my meter for smart meter replacement. The instructions to avoid disconnection are to schedule an appointment directly with their contractor. The issue is that the contractor cannot be contacted and all you hear when calling is that the voice mailbox of who you are trying to reach has not been set up. If Xcel is going to threaten to shut power off, they should ensure the remedy is actually possible. I have no control over an incompetent contractor.

  • Share Power outage on Facebook Share Power outage on X (formerly Twitter) Share Power outage on Linkedin Email Power outage link

    Power outage

    by David Berman , about 2 months ago
    Yet another power outage at my address today with Xcel. Three times yesterday. Another one earlier in the week. This is not acceptable and at least deserves an explanation for why it’s happening.


    David Berman
    6336 Coors Lane
    Arvada Co 80004







    Yet another power outage at my address today with Xcel. Three times yesterday. Another one earlier in the week. This is not acceptable and at least deserves an explanation for why it’s happening.


    David Berman
    6336 Coors Lane
    Arvada Co 80004







Page last updated: 08 Aug 2026, 09:33 PM