Xcel Energy Outages, Billing and Customer Response
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.
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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In the dark
by Steveb49, 8 months agoContinued outages leaving us without internet and tv and spoiled food garage door must be opened by hand. Been here 27 years last 6 months the outages have been horrendous. We are retired and getting extremely upset. XCEL cannot explain these outages. Never have seen a drone or crew inspecting lines in the neighborhood during this time.Continued outages leaving us without internet and tv and spoiled food garage door must be opened by hand. Been here 27 years last 6 months the outages have been horrendous. We are retired and getting extremely upset. XCEL cannot explain these outages. Never have seen a drone or crew inspecting lines in the neighborhood during this time. -
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Power Outages
by AG, 8 months agoI work from home full time and these power outages make it hard to work when it is out for hours and I need to pack up and find somewhere to work. Last year when the power was out for 4 days we lost freezers of food and had to sleep in the living room with the gas fireplace which is not cheap. We pay so much for our energy bills and then have the inconvenience of the power going out way too often.I work from home full time and these power outages make it hard to work when it is out for hours and I need to pack up and find somewhere to work. Last year when the power was out for 4 days we lost freezers of food and had to sleep in the living room with the gas fireplace which is not cheap. We pay so much for our energy bills and then have the inconvenience of the power going out way too often. -
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Power Outages all too often
by HomeownerLittleton80128, 8 months agoThe infrastructure in our neighborhood, and specifically our street, needs to be replaced. We have lived here 7 years and have had *unexpected/unplanned* power outages at least 20 times - roughly once a quarter. And the duration of the outages has ranged from 2-10 hours. It's hard on residents when you unexpectedly and for long periods of time have no access to power. Our kids sound machine and baby monitors not working at night time make it even more difficult than it already is... no less the volume of food in our fridge and freezer potentially thawing and going bad... Continue readingThe infrastructure in our neighborhood, and specifically our street, needs to be replaced. We have lived here 7 years and have had *unexpected/unplanned* power outages at least 20 times - roughly once a quarter. And the duration of the outages has ranged from 2-10 hours. It's hard on residents when you unexpectedly and for long periods of time have no access to power. Our kids sound machine and baby monitors not working at night time make it even more difficult than it already is... no less the volume of food in our fridge and freezer potentially thawing and going bad. It was shocking once we moved in that this is what was happening, I've never encountered another Littleton neighborhood with this frequency of issues. Please address the problem. -
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Xcel is horrible
by Brooklyn, 8 months agoI have had nothing but issues and especially this Summer. Every week there seems to be an outage and for hours. I have been stuck at home due to my car being stuck in the garage. I have not been able to do my actual job because I need the internet to work. Food has gone bad in my fridge and freezer. Have had kids trying to do homework in the dark. It’s real upsetting it keeps happening and nothing is done about it. When I went to submit feedback the domain doesn’t even work.I have had nothing but issues and especially this Summer. Every week there seems to be an outage and for hours. I have been stuck at home due to my car being stuck in the garage. I have not been able to do my actual job because I need the internet to work. Food has gone bad in my fridge and freezer. Have had kids trying to do homework in the dark. It’s real upsetting it keeps happening and nothing is done about it. When I went to submit feedback the domain doesn’t even work. -
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Xcel doesn’t care at all
by Skutts62, 8 months agoI am from the westlake neighborhood we had many power outages here since May. And of course the one when they turned off power for the winds to supposedly be safe. Which I had to stay in a hotel lost over a thousand dollars of food and no reimbursement from them at all. And since these other power outages happen I did do another complaint and they denied me that the transformer went bad in golden and they can not since it landed under the utility commission thing sorry don’t remember what it’s called. I did tell them I think... Continue reading
I am from the westlake neighborhood we had many power outages here since May. And of course the one when they turned off power for the winds to supposedly be safe. Which I had to stay in a hotel lost over a thousand dollars of food and no reimbursement from them at all. And since these other power outages happen I did do another complaint and they denied me that the transformer went bad in golden and they can not since it landed under the utility commission thing sorry don’t remember what it’s called. I did tell them I think it’s strange that when I get an email about it’s your energy action day for the tomorrow then boom power outage the customer service agent kinda got mad and said that has nothing to do with it I said really I think it does. Cause ever time I get that email next day outage again. And what do you know. I have never received another energy action day email again from Xcel. I know for a fact they charge even when the power is out. I knew an old neighbor and had her power shut off for due to a fire in her home they still charged her she had to fight with Xcel. And with all these outages my bill was even higher than I thought it would be I still lost food ac ran for a long time since it was so hot 4 outages 2 hour outages one was almost I think maybe 7 hours and when the power came on my ac ran non stop until 1 am to cool my house off. It’s not far I think if we have outages they should not charge us the hole day at all. Give us credit They want us to save energy but they don’t want us to use stuff at 5-9 pm really so they can get more money the peak hours needs to go. I guess in the winter I will be freezing and in the dark. Cause no matter what I leave my heat at 69 and still get charge 300 bill in the winter it rediculous they don’t care they will never reimburse anyone they make up excuses customer service rep says cable burned the last one said we don’t know and then they have a claims guy saying it was on deer creek road and plate canyon road were the transformer went bad on the cable I kinda find it hard to believe on that one. Anyway they need to be stopped reimburse people for these outages all day credit also needs to be done I want a new company we should have an option for switching
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So Tired of the Outages
by Chrissy , 8 months agoI seriously understand outages. They happen. But the excessive amount that Columbine Hills has experienced is so many I can't even count them on both hands. Some we get warning. Some we don't. We never get communication on why this is happening. Some last hours and some last days. My neighbors behind our house never seem to loose it. I have had to throw away food and even clothes that get stuck in the washer because once a load gets started, the lid can't open until power is back on. Xcel sucks. I wish we had choices with different electric... Continue reading
I seriously understand outages. They happen. But the excessive amount that Columbine Hills has experienced is so many I can't even count them on both hands. Some we get warning. Some we don't. We never get communication on why this is happening. Some last hours and some last days. My neighbors behind our house never seem to loose it. I have had to throw away food and even clothes that get stuck in the washer because once a load gets started, the lid can't open until power is back on. Xcel sucks. I wish we had choices with different electric companies. The company doesn't care and even if they might say they do, their actions prove they don't. It would be nice to know why this is happening and what they are planning on doing to resolve the problem.
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Columbine hills power outages
by Tel, 8 months agoI live at 6191 W Alder Ave, Littleton CO 80128. I work from home 9-5 m-f.As you are aware, these power outages also cause Xfinity internet to fail. My work hours had to be made up due to lack of internet
many of these days had very high temperatures. On two particular days with temps almost 100 degrees, I was onsite and had my window ac on for my dog. My house was obviously closed up. I had to have my daughter drive over to put my dog in the downstairs family room to keep cool.
another time my... Continue readingI live at 6191 W Alder Ave, Littleton CO 80128. I work from home 9-5 m-f.As you are aware, these power outages also cause Xfinity internet to fail. My work hours had to be made up due to lack of internet
many of these days had very high temperatures. On two particular days with temps almost 100 degrees, I was onsite and had my window ac on for my dog. My house was obviously closed up. I had to have my daughter drive over to put my dog in the downstairs family room to keep cool.
another time my power went off 3 different times. They texted my power would be back on by 3:30. Last outage came at 1:30. My power never came back on until 11:30 that evening. With the power out in our area, I had to across town to work at the library in centennial.
for this summer with all the outages, I get my car out of the garage everyday because when power is out, I can’t get my car out. xcel does not care about these outages. Planning an outage is the same as “rolling black outs”. The old saying: easier ti ask forgiveness than ask for permission. Xcel over charges and is a monopoly! They need to change their ethics!
I am hopeful there will be some accountability from Xcel and I appreciate being able to voice my concerns. -
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Xcel doesn't care
by Aubrey Allmond , 8 months agoXcel doesn't care about outage impacts to customers. I'm in Columbine Hills in unincorporated Jefferson County. There are currently multiple ongoing outages in a different part of our neighborhood. They just get told lies from Xcel. A year or so ago our part of the neighborhood had regular outages anytime there was the slightest breath of a breeze. Xcel took over a year to fix the issue; never telling residents what was going on. Xcel is either intentionally lying to people or they are completely incompetent in running their system. Either way they do not care. Where else are you... Continue readingXcel doesn't care about outage impacts to customers. I'm in Columbine Hills in unincorporated Jefferson County. There are currently multiple ongoing outages in a different part of our neighborhood. They just get told lies from Xcel. A year or so ago our part of the neighborhood had regular outages anytime there was the slightest breath of a breeze. Xcel took over a year to fix the issue; never telling residents what was going on. Xcel is either intentionally lying to people or they are completely incompetent in running their system. Either way they do not care. Where else are you going to go? -
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Outages w/o Severe Weather
by kyboy, 8 months agoAll our utilities are underground. We’ve lived in our home for 46 years. We’ve experienced more outages in the last 2 years than collectively all previous years. We lost a refrigerator full of food when then turned off the power for a wind event and couldn’t get it back on. We had to use our car to warm up. With the ups and downs trying to fix that problem, it took out our expensive OLED TV. And, then after the outages during the high temps this year, it took out our A/C system. They’ve replaced all the electronics including the... Continue reading
All our utilities are underground. We’ve lived in our home for 46 years. We’ve experienced more outages in the last 2 years than collectively all previous years. We lost a refrigerator full of food when then turned off the power for a wind event and couldn’t get it back on. We had to use our car to warm up. With the ups and downs trying to fix that problem, it took out our expensive OLED TV. And, then after the outages during the high temps this year, it took out our A/C system. They’ve replaced all the electronics including the thermostat. I wrote a letter to the XCEL board and filed it via the board’s website!! Crickets! I know if we had options for our electric service provider…the majority of our community would leave XCEL They won’t tell you what went wrong, only the anticipated time to restore! I pleaded with them to be more transparent! Crickets!! Please help!!!!
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Gillian Acosta
by AcostaG , 8 months agoI live in columbine hills, since last year 2024 we have experienced multiple power outages, including one that last for 3 1/2 days. We were running our refrigerator off a generator just to keep our food from going bad. Most of our neighbors were using some kind of generator to keep their homes at a certain level of function for those couple of days with no update on when exactly we would regain power. Trying to maintain a job with no power was very upsetting, you can’t cook, the food possibly could have gone bad. You have to shower in... Continue readingI live in columbine hills, since last year 2024 we have experienced multiple power outages, including one that last for 3 1/2 days. We were running our refrigerator off a generator just to keep our food from going bad. Most of our neighbors were using some kind of generator to keep their homes at a certain level of function for those couple of days with no update on when exactly we would regain power. Trying to maintain a job with no power was very upsetting, you can’t cook, the food possibly could have gone bad. You have to shower in the dark. Fast forward to August of 2025, we experienced at least 4 power outages with no warning until the actual power was off. Every person in my home works and we have pets we leave at home. This issue has become very concerning as we never get any explanation as to why our neighborhood has so many power outages.
File a Complaint
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.
Proceeding Information
Information collected here will be added to Proceeding Number 25M-0265E.