Xcel Energy Outages, Billing and Customer Response

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• Share Xcel doesn't make it easy to commicate on Facebook Share Xcel doesn't make it easy to commicate on X (formerly Twitter) Share Xcel doesn't make it easy to commicate on Linkedin Email Xcel doesn't make it easy to commicate link

  Xcel doesn't make it easy to commicate

  by K.E and S.L., 14 days ago
  A charge of $242 was added to my account, when I disputed the charge I was told nothing could be done, I had to pay it. A supervisor did not call me back as I was told would happen.

  The day I filed a complaint with the PUC, I received a voicemail from a unknown number that stated "You must contact Xcel regarding your complaint with the PUC." No contact name was given, no return number was left on the message. I called the main Xcel phone number and was told "we can't talk to you, because you filed a... Continue reading

  A charge of $242 was added to my account, when I disputed the charge I was told nothing could be done, I had to pay it. A supervisor did not call me back as I was told would happen.

  The day I filed a complaint with the PUC, I received a voicemail from a unknown number that stated "You must contact Xcel regarding your complaint with the PUC." No contact name was given, no return number was left on the message. I called the main Xcel phone number and was told "we can't talk to you, because you filed a complaint with the PUC."

  I called the phone number from my caller ID, a message said "the person you have called is not available." There was no identification that it was Xcel Energy or Mr Manuel Medellin.

  I am happy that the issue has been resolved, but disappointed that Xcel Energy seems to avoid customers with billing issues and doesn't have a better system to handle their customers of over 50 years.
• Share Complete unreliable - yet they keep charging us more money on Facebook Share Complete unreliable - yet they keep charging us more money on X (formerly Twitter) Share Complete unreliable - yet they keep charging us more money on Linkedin Email Complete unreliable - yet they keep charging us more money link

  Complete unreliable - yet they keep charging us more money

  by tickedandpowerlessinwheatridge, 16 days ago

  Wheat Ridge, CO

  
  

  Xcel power is downright unreliable. We experience at least 4 outages per year that last several hours. Once in 2025 we were without power for 48+ hours.
  
  In 2026 alone we've experienced:

  • Two outages in May, one lasting approximately two hours and another continuing into the following day despite Xcel reporting that service had been restored within 4 hours.
  • An outage in July lasting more than three hours, during which Xcel revised its original restoration estimate.
  • Just today, October 27, clear skies, sun is out, no wind. Power went out just before 2pm and the reported resolution... Continue reading

  Wheat Ridge, CO

  
  

  Xcel power is downright unreliable. We experience at least 4 outages per year that last several hours. Once in 2025 we were without power for 48+ hours.
  
  In 2026 alone we've experienced:

  • Two outages in May, one lasting approximately two hours and another continuing into the following day despite Xcel reporting that service had been restored within 4 hours.
  • An outage in July lasting more than three hours, during which Xcel revised its original restoration estimate.
  • Just today, October 27, clear skies, sun is out, no wind. Power went out just before 2pm and the reported resolution time is 6pm. According to xcel its affecting 2000 residents in our county.

  Wheat Ridge is not a remote community either, I am a 10 minute drive from the heart of Denver. We've never once been compensated for these severe disruptions, despite having to literally toss an entire weeks worth of groceries from the fridge several times over the years due to how long these outages last.
  
  I am also pretty sure that the numbers XCEL reports are fabricated. According to their reliability map my census group (whatever that is) only lost power for an annual average of 70 minutes in 2025. I know for a fact that my neighborhood alone lost power for 60+ hours in 2025. I know this because I can track how long the outages lasted based on the text messages Xcel has sent me regarding them.

  I moved into this home in 2023, and I have experienced 3X more power outages with Xcel than I have the prior 30 years of my life combined. Its ABSURD how bad it is yet Xcel is continuously allowed to charge us more and more for completely unreliable power.

  
  
• Share Repeated outages; unexplained delays in restoration on Facebook Share Repeated outages; unexplained delays in restoration on X (formerly Twitter) Share Repeated outages; unexplained delays in restoration on Linkedin Email Repeated outages; unexplained delays in restoration link

  Repeated outages; unexplained delays in restoration

  by Mike Hh, 18 days ago
  If you move to Evergreen, CO or surrounding areas, and have any choice at all, I strongly recommend you choose any provider other than Xcel. The power outages are frequent, rarely restored in a timely fashion, and literally never deducted from power bills. Just a truly horrendous customer experience all around.

  If you move to Evergreen, CO or surrounding areas, and have any choice at all, I strongly recommend you choose any provider other than Xcel. The power outages are frequent, rarely restored in a timely fashion, and literally never deducted from power bills. Just a truly horrendous customer experience all around.
• Share Incessant power outages - not weather related on Facebook Share Incessant power outages - not weather related on X (formerly Twitter) Share Incessant power outages - not weather related on Linkedin Email Incessant power outages - not weather related link

  Incessant power outages - not weather related

  by IrritatedCustomer, 25 days ago

  My neighborhood in southeast Aurora has had three unexplained power outages in the last eight weeks that always take place in the wee hours of the morning (two occurring at 3:15 AM and the third taking place at 12:15 AM). Response time to get the power back up and running is ALWAYS at least three or more hours. I have complained to the PUC and they sent the complaint to Xcel Energy who said that all three were "primary cable failures" and "probable weather," with the second being doubtful because all three times there were no weather events going on... Continue reading

  My neighborhood in southeast Aurora has had three unexplained power outages in the last eight weeks that always take place in the wee hours of the morning (two occurring at 3:15 AM and the third taking place at 12:15 AM). Response time to get the power back up and running is ALWAYS at least three or more hours. I have complained to the PUC and they sent the complaint to Xcel Energy who said that all three were "primary cable failures" and "probable weather," with the second being doubtful because all three times there were no weather events going on. Okay, so now what? When is Xcel going to fix the problem that is plaguing the neighborhood? I'm further ticked off by the fact that they continue to ask for more of my hard-earned money every time I flip a light switch, yet provide sketchier and sketchier service, all the while paying ZERO in taxes and rooting to provide service to unwanted data centers that will explode our utility bills even further. I am so thoroughly sick of this monolithic company.
• Share Non weather related outage causing issues on Facebook Share Non weather related outage causing issues on X (formerly Twitter) Share Non weather related outage causing issues on Linkedin Email Non weather related outage causing issues link

  Non weather related outage causing issues

  by Keithmurphyuc, 27 days ago
  Today we have had no power for hours and no answers on why. It’s affecting over 3000 customers according to the outage map. It’s a beautiful day with no wind and the power randomly went out at 8:30am. I have been unable to work and our food will start going bad soon. Xcel has not contacted anyone though our internet provider contacted me via text that things were down. Xcel is horrible and negligent.

  Today we have had no power for hours and no answers on why. It’s affecting over 3000 customers according to the outage map. It’s a beautiful day with no wind and the power randomly went out at 8:30am. I have been unable to work and our food will start going bad soon. Xcel has not contacted anyone though our internet provider contacted me via text that things were down. Xcel is horrible and negligent.
• Share Formal Complaint and request for formal investigation on Facebook Share Formal Complaint and request for formal investigation on X (formerly Twitter) Share Formal Complaint and request for formal investigation on Linkedin Email Formal Complaint and request for formal investigation link

  Formal Complaint and request for formal investigation

  by Sean , about 1 month ago

  I am requesting a formal investigation into the recurring power outages affecting our entire neighborhood in Aurora, Colorado 80016. This is the second neighborhood-wide outage in approximately one month. During the most recent outage, our electricity flickered, briefly returned, and then went out completely.

  Given the Colorado Public Utilities Commission’s documented concerns regarding Xcel Energy’s reliability, I would like a written explanation addressing the following:

  1. What caused both outages?
  2. Did both incidents involve the same distribution circuit or equipment?
  3. Were either of these outages related to Xcel’s wildfire safety settings?
  4. What corrective actions are being taken to prevent additional outages?
  5. ... Continue reading

  I am requesting a formal investigation into the recurring power outages affecting our entire neighborhood in Aurora, Colorado 80016. This is the second neighborhood-wide outage in approximately one month. During the most recent outage, our electricity flickered, briefly returned, and then went out completely.

  Given the Colorado Public Utilities Commission’s documented concerns regarding Xcel Energy’s reliability, I would like a written explanation addressing the following:

  1. What caused both outages?
  2. Did both incidents involve the same distribution circuit or equipment?
  3. Were either of these outages related to Xcel’s wildfire safety settings?
  4. What corrective actions are being taken to prevent additional outages?
  5. What is the estimated restoration time for the current outage?

  Repeated interruptions affecting an entire neighborhood raise legitimate concerns about infrastructure maintenance and reliability. I am requesting specific answers and a permanent solution rather than a general explanation about weather or equipment.

  Please provide a case number and a written response documenting your findings.
• Share How? Just How? on Facebook Share How? Just How? on X (formerly Twitter) Share How? Just How? on Linkedin Email How? Just How? link

  How? Just How?

  by Baffled, about 1 month ago

  We have seen outages in South Boulder twice within a single week. In some cases customers are without power for 12+ hours. At any given time, Colorado is almost always the state with the most and longest outages on Xcel's map.

  How do you manage to do this? Is the grid THIS bad?

  We have seen outages in South Boulder twice within a single week. In some cases customers are without power for 12+ hours. At any given time, Colorado is almost always the state with the most and longest outages on Xcel's map.

  How do you manage to do this? Is the grid THIS bad?
• Share frequent, long planned outages that even disconnect phone service on Facebook Share frequent, long planned outages that even disconnect phone service on X (formerly Twitter) Share frequent, long planned outages that even disconnect phone service on Linkedin Email frequent, long planned outages that even disconnect phone service link

  frequent, long planned outages that even disconnect phone service

  by Ozzy, about 1 month ago

  Our experience with Xcel has been frustrating when it comes to reliability and planned outages.

  • The frequency of the outages is unacceptable. Eight shutoffs since 2/11/25. One shutoff during December 2025 lasted four-five days (from 12/17 - 12/21).
  • The length of each outage is also unacceptable. (75.5 total hours since 2/11/25 — one lasting 41 hours during December 2025 and one lasting 12 hours on 9/24/26.)
  • Xcel's communication regarding planned power outages is extremely poor — mostly non-existent (no email, calls, door hangers despite being signed up to receive advanced notification), sometimes last minute (the day before the planned outage)... Continue reading

  Our experience with Xcel has been frustrating when it comes to reliability and planned outages.

  • The frequency of the outages is unacceptable. Eight shutoffs since 2/11/25. One shutoff during December 2025 lasted four-five days (from 12/17 - 12/21).
  • The length of each outage is also unacceptable. (75.5 total hours since 2/11/25 — one lasting 41 hours during December 2025 and one lasting 12 hours on 9/24/26.)
  • Xcel's communication regarding planned power outages is extremely poor — mostly non-existent (no email, calls, door hangers despite being signed up to receive advanced notification), sometimes last minute (the day before the planned outage) and often wrong (start and end times are wrong). Start times should never be missed, especially by 2 hours like the last power outage on 9/24/26. Sometimes end times can be wrong due to unexpected issues. But on 9/24, Xcel's restoration time was 5 hours later than what it claimed. We didn't get power restored until 10 p.m., when Xcel said it would be restored by 5 p.m. that day.
  • When Xcel shuts the power off, landlines and Internet services are disconnected too. This happens every time Xcel shuts power off. How are we supposed to check the status of a planned power outage? How will Xcel notify us that the power is on again? Two of the eight power shutoffs, we've been without phone service for 12 days once and 14 days the other time. That's unacceptable, especially when that's the only way we can call in case of emergencies.
  • Xcel never coordinates with the phone/Internet service providers during a planned outage, so we end up not having a working phone or Internet for days, even weeks. Xcel should never consider their planned outage over until power, phone, Internet services (that were all working before the planned outage) are restored.

  We deserve better reliability. Less power outages. This is unacceptable service.

  Suggestions:

  • Xcel should coordinate utility services with other providers when there is a planned outage, so residents don't go without phone services or Internet services due to the outages.
  • Xcel needs to improve outage communications to affected residents, especially those of us who are signed up to receive outage notifications from Xcel.
  • Xcel should be more accurate/precise on the duration of the outages and maybe provide a reason for the outage.
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  Power Outages and the Most Useless System Ever

  by A Very Stressed Person, about 1 month ago

  Let us start with how this utility, in their infinite wisdom, decides that shutting off the power is an acceptable way to reduce risks.

  
  

  Next, their outage trackers are close to useless. Texts just default to a boilerplate "we are assessing damage" before the ETR is pushed back by another few hours. The website just does "Comments: The outage has been reported. Please continue to check back for additional updates regarding the restoration progress.".

  
  

  There are no updates. Finally, the PUC's regular complaint system forces you to include your name and address and shares those with the utility, so... Continue reading

  Let us start with how this utility, in their infinite wisdom, decides that shutting off the power is an acceptable way to reduce risks.

  
  

  Next, their outage trackers are close to useless. Texts just default to a boilerplate "we are assessing damage" before the ETR is pushed back by another few hours. The website just does "Comments: The outage has been reported. Please continue to check back for additional updates regarding the restoration progress.".

  
  

  There are no updates. Finally, the PUC's regular complaint system forces you to include your name and address and shares those with the utility, so if you fear retaliation you can't even use that as an avenue.
• Share Xcel Billing Catastrophe on Facebook Share Xcel Billing Catastrophe on X (formerly Twitter) Share Xcel Billing Catastrophe on Linkedin Email Xcel Billing Catastrophe link

  Xcel Billing Catastrophe

  by DoubleH, about 1 month ago

  So I have to start by saying, this problem originated from my apartment complex providing me with the wrong address on my lease when I moved in. HOWEVER, I called Xcel right away to get the address situation fixed so I could have power at my new apartment and be charged appropriately....so I thought. I moved in June 12th, it's now October 5th. I have repeatedly called Xcel for months now trying to get the other apartment I am NOT living in taken off of my account, but to no avail. They keep saying the request is put in. What... Continue reading

  So I have to start by saying, this problem originated from my apartment complex providing me with the wrong address on my lease when I moved in. HOWEVER, I called Xcel right away to get the address situation fixed so I could have power at my new apartment and be charged appropriately....so I thought. I moved in June 12th, it's now October 5th. I have repeatedly called Xcel for months now trying to get the other apartment I am NOT living in taken off of my account, but to no avail. They keep saying the request is put in. What does that even meaaaannn? A request? Is that not a simple task to just remove that apartment from my account and only charge me for the correct apartment? As I digress, my account still shows almost $900, for two apartments and not even any of my past payments are shown as being used. It's so frustrating. I just want to pay my bill and keep it current so it doesn't ruin my credit. I'm over it.