Public Safety Power Shutoff

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  Bad communication from xcel created post-surgery nightmare

  by Ebk, 5 months ago

  Xcel told us power would be shut off Wednesday from 10am to 6pm for the psps, but didn’t mention that it would take another day for them to check the lines and make repairs before restoring power. I had major knee surgery on Tuesday, but since I thought power would be back on before dark on Wednesday, I didn’t think I needed to get a hotel. I couldn’t believe it when they texted on Wednesday evening to explain that it would take until Thursday night to turn power back on! We lost all our food and I had to spend... Continue reading

  Xcel told us power would be shut off Wednesday from 10am to 6pm for the psps, but didn’t mention that it would take another day for them to check the lines and make repairs before restoring power. I had major knee surgery on Tuesday, but since I thought power would be back on before dark on Wednesday, I didn’t think I needed to get a hotel. I couldn’t believe it when they texted on Wednesday evening to explain that it would take until Thursday night to turn power back on! We lost all our food and I had to spend a really scary night trying to navigate my house in the dark on crutches, without access to ice to keep my newly operated on knee from swelling. Then the exact same communication issues happened again during Friday’s shut down. Most people in my area I talked to also took xcel’s initial communication to mean that power would be restored immediately after 6pm on Wednesday, so no one was prepared for the extended outage. I am tremendously disappointed with xcel for their poor communication, even if I appreciate the need to take precautions to prevent another Marshall fire situation. Their actions made recovering from surgery really scary. It’s 3:40 on Saturday and my family is headed to a hotel because we still haven’t gotten clear communication about when our power will come back on and I can’t handle another scary night on crutches in the dark (to add insult to injury, we live in a neighborhood with buried power lines).
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  Fix the problems please

  by ArvadaResident123, 5 months ago
  I live off Indiana and 72nd. I understand the need to shut down power to reduce the risk of fire. However, why was the power shut off before the wind even started to blow? I appreciated the notifications from Xcel for the power outage that started Wednesday, but the outage was supposed to last from 10A-6P. We did not get our power restored until Thursday at 3:00 PM. What was most concerning is that neighborhoods just a stone's throw away had power. For the second outage that began the morning of Friday, Dec 19th, Xcel provided NO notifications. If it... Continue reading

  I live off Indiana and 72nd. I understand the need to shut down power to reduce the risk of fire. However, why was the power shut off before the wind even started to blow? I appreciated the notifications from Xcel for the power outage that started Wednesday, but the outage was supposed to last from 10A-6P. We did not get our power restored until Thursday at 3:00 PM. What was most concerning is that neighborhoods just a stone's throw away had power. For the second outage that began the morning of Friday, Dec 19th, Xcel provided NO notifications. If it wasn't for Facebook, I wouldn't have known. Again, why was our neighborhood singled out and not the ones just up or down the road? It seems like Xcel could have spread out the outages between other neighborhoods if it truly was proactive to reduce the risk of fire. Why our neighborhood was affected for 28 hours the first time and 30 hours the second time baffles me. I would like to know what the PUC is doing to fix the underlying problems. We don't live in a third world country (or California) that does blackouts on a regular basis. Please start communicating what you're doing to make our electrical grid more robust to avoid future outages.
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  Xcel is not our friend

  by JessBorg77, 5 months ago
  It all begins with a notice saying power will be shut off from 10am-6pm Wednesday, then they unexpectedly extended it and the next day during the press conference he says it was a "misunderstanding" and that you can't just turn the power back. Uts ridiculous and seems like a complete lie to me. I woke up Thursday with no lights but 2 blocks from my house in downtown golde. They all had their lights on. We can't let them use their power to go for profits over everyone's safety and comfort during the winter. They have a monopoly and they... Continue reading

  It all begins with a notice saying power will be shut off from 10am-6pm Wednesday, then they unexpectedly extended it and the next day during the press conference he says it was a "misunderstanding" and that you can't just turn the power back. Uts ridiculous and seems like a complete lie to me. I woke up Thursday with no lights but 2 blocks from my house in downtown golde. They all had their lights on. We can't let them use their power to go for profits over everyone's safety and comfort during the winter. They have a monopoly and they know it.
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  When “Public Safety” Becomes Public Harm

  by LM.CO, 5 months ago

  I am submitting this statement to formally document my experience with Xcel Energy’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during the week prior to Christmas. I reside in the Morrison/Golden area and am a stay-at-home mother of two young children. What occurred was not a single, weather-driven emergency event, but two extended PSPS events within three days, resulting in significant hardship, financial loss, and disruption to basic living conditions.

  What was initially communicated as a one-day power shutoff on Wednesday ultimately lasted approximately 36 hours. Power was restored briefly, only to be shut off again early Friday morning at approximately 5:30... Continue reading

  I am submitting this statement to formally document my experience with Xcel Energy’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during the week prior to Christmas. I reside in the Morrison/Golden area and am a stay-at-home mother of two young children. What occurred was not a single, weather-driven emergency event, but two extended PSPS events within three days, resulting in significant hardship, financial loss, and disruption to basic living conditions.

  What was initially communicated as a one-day power shutoff on Wednesday ultimately lasted approximately 36 hours. Power was restored briefly, only to be shut off again early Friday morning at approximately 5:30 a.m. As of Saturday afternoon, power has still not been restored.

  Because I was home throughout this period, I was able to directly observe weather conditions. On Friday, there was little to no wind from morning through evening. Despite this, the PSPS remained in effect. If PSPS decisions are truly weather-based, Xcel Energy must be required to reassess and adjust in real time when conditions do not materialize as forecasted. There was no reasonable justification for continued outages from Friday through Saturday.

  The consequences were substantial:

  • Financial burden: In the week leading up to Christmas, my family lost refrigerated and frozen food and incurred additional expenses from eating out and finding ways to occupy two young children without power. These costs are significant for families and were entirely avoidable.

  • Loss of water access: Many households in this area rely on well water. When power is shut off, we lose not only electricity but also water. This means no flushing toilets, no showers, no dishwashing, and no ability to water pets or livestock. I was forced to purchase water simply to flush toilets to maintain basic sanitation.

  • Community and economic impact: Numerous small businesses in this area rely on the days leading up to Christmas for critical annual revenue. Many lost income and inventory. Local churches were forced to cancel Christmas services—one of the most attended services of the year.

  • Communication failures: Xcel Energy’s communication was inconsistent and misleading. An outage described as an eight-hour event extended to 36 hours, followed by a second shutoff with no clear restoration timeline. The only assistance offered was a phone-charging station, which is inadequate when residents lack heat, water, food preservation, and sanitation.

  • Infrastructure negligence: Xcel Energy should not only be required to bury power lines where feasible, but also to maintain existing infrastructure. There are trees entangled in power lines on county property near my home. Proactive vegetation management should be a basic prerequisite before resorting to widespread shutoffs.

  Xcel Energy frequently states that PSPS decisions are not taken lightly. Based on this experience, that claim does not align with reality. If they were, service would have been restored once weather conditions proved benign.

  I respectfully urge the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to take immediate action, including:

  • Establishing firm limits on the duration and frequency of PSPS events

  • Requiring real-time reassessment and mandatory restoration when conditions allow

  • Mandating customer compensation or stipends for food loss, water access, and temporary lodging

  • Enforcing infrastructure maintenance and vegetation management requirements

  Two shutoffs within three days is unreasonable and demonstrates a lack of diligence and accountability. I am grateful that temperatures were unseasonably warm; had this occurred during colder conditions, my family may have been displaced from our home.

  I contacted my congressional representative’s office regarding this matter and was advised to submit my experience directly to the Colorado PUC. I am also aware of growing discussions among affected residents regarding potential legal action, underscoring the seriousness of this failure.

  Public safety should not come at the expense of basic livability without oversight, limits, or accountability. Regulation and enforcement are urgently needed.
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  Multi-day planned outage with insufficient notice

  by Morgan Rodriguez, 5 months ago

  I live in Evergreen (80439). My household received less than 24 hours’ notice about the recent Xcel Energy public safety power shutoff. We have been without heat, running water, electricity, or reliable cell service for several days while sick. Elderly and medically vulnerable residents nearby have been displaced and put at serious risk. Local stores have closed and businesses have lost thousands of dollars in spoiled product and lost business.

  The limited notice, lack of communication, and lack of accommodations for vulnerable residents raise serious safety concerns. I’m requesting a review of Xcel’s protocols for planned shutoffs and improved communication... Continue reading

  I live in Evergreen (80439). My household received less than 24 hours’ notice about the recent Xcel Energy public safety power shutoff. We have been without heat, running water, electricity, or reliable cell service for several days while sick. Elderly and medically vulnerable residents nearby have been displaced and put at serious risk. Local stores have closed and businesses have lost thousands of dollars in spoiled product and lost business.

  The limited notice, lack of communication, and lack of accommodations for vulnerable residents raise serious safety concerns. I’m requesting a review of Xcel’s protocols for planned shutoffs and improved communication for rural areas without cell coverage.
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  Completely Unacceptable Duration of Power Outage

  by ArvadaWheels, 5 months ago

  As a resident who has no ability to choose an alternative electricity provider, I rely entirely on the PUC to ensure that Xcel delivers reliable, and responsibly managed electric service. What occurred during this December 2025 PSPS event was unacceptable by any reasonable standard, and I expect the PUC to provide clear answers and accountability.

  My power was shut off before Xcel said it would be and hours before any significant wind activity began, and it took hours after conditions improved for power to return. This raises serious questions about the criteria, planning, and operational execution behind this PSPS. How... Continue reading

  As a resident who has no ability to choose an alternative electricity provider, I rely entirely on the PUC to ensure that Xcel delivers reliable, and responsibly managed electric service. What occurred during this December 2025 PSPS event was unacceptable by any reasonable standard, and I expect the PUC to provide clear answers and accountability.

  My power was shut off before Xcel said it would be and hours before any significant wind activity began, and it took hours after conditions improved for power to return. This raises serious questions about the criteria, planning, and operational execution behind this PSPS. How is it possible that we have experienced numerous windy days—many with stronger and more sustained winds than those during this PSPS—without any interruption to service, yet this event resulted in a prolonged, multi‑day outage?

  As of the time of writing, I have been without power for 55 of the past 72 hours, with Xcel projecting an additional 8 hours before restoration. I have lived in my home for 12 years and over that time period I have rarely seen outages lasting longer than 30 minutes, despite many severe wind events as bad or worse than what was seen during this PSPS. The duration and scale of this outage are unprecedented, unjustifiable, and deeply disruptive. Accessing outage maps to determine when I can expect my power to be back on has been impossible via cell phone.

  This failure has forced the closure of schools, businesses, and government services, affecting tens of thousands of Coloradans. The Front Range regularly experiences high winds; this is not a new or unpredictable phenomenon. Our electric infrastructure should be capable of handling these conditions without resorting to multi‑day outages that jeopardize safety, economic stability, and community well‑being. Prior to this event it seemed our infrastructure could handle it so what has changed?

  Neighborhoods immediately adjacent to mine—experiencing the exact same wind event—saw little to no impact to their power. If these areas benefit from more robust grid connections or infrastructure, then I want to know what Xcel is doing to bring the same level of reliability to the communities that were disproportionately affected. Why are some neighborhoods protected while others are left vulnerable?

  I am requesting that the PUC provide clear answers to the following:

  • Why was power cut hours before conditions warranted it?
  • Why did restoration take so long after the wind subsided?
  • What steps is the PUC taking to ensure that Xcel is held accountable for the scale and duration of this outage?
  • What requirements will be imposed on Xcel to reduce the impact and frequency of future PSPS events from becoming a regular occurrence on the Front Range?
  • What infrastructure improvements will be mandated to ensure that all neighborhoods—not just select ones—receive reliable service during wind events?

  Colorado residents deserve a power system that is resilient, and managed with competence. We should not be subjected to prolonged outages due to routine weather conditions that our region has experienced for decades. I expect the PUC to ensure that Xcel Energy is held fully accountable for its decisions and performance during this event.
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  Xcel needs a scalpel, not a cleaver

  by aheltzel, 5 months ago
  These public safety shutdowns cannot become the new normal. It's extremely disruptive and beyond inconvenient and frustrating. Years of Xcel management neglect to maintain and harden vulnerable infrastructure can't be born by the public. It's not fair to us.

  
  

  Additionally, this wind event was NOTHING. To be clear, it was a non-event here in Solterra (470 and Alameda - west Lakewood area).

  Xcel must get more surgical with both cutting power and their communications. Broadly cutting power to thousands of customers who aren't even experiencing high winds is unacceptable. Because of their broad - one size fits all approach... Continue reading

  These public safety shutdowns cannot become the new normal. It's extremely disruptive and beyond inconvenient and frustrating. Years of Xcel management neglect to maintain and harden vulnerable infrastructure can't be born by the public. It's not fair to us.

  
  

  Additionally, this wind event was NOTHING. To be clear, it was a non-event here in Solterra (470 and Alameda - west Lakewood area).

  Xcel must get more surgical with both cutting power and their communications. Broadly cutting power to thousands of customers who aren't even experiencing high winds is unacceptable. Because of their broad - one size fits all approach, communications are extremely vague, untimely and not helpful whatsoever. Here's what we were told - summarizing: "You will loose power at 5am Friday and you might not get it back until sometime Monday but we will try to restore is as soon as possible." Ridiculous.

  Homes directly across the street in our neighborhood had power, but yet our side of the street was deemed unsafe?

  If Xcel can't be more surgical when managing future power outages (as there will be more!) then they must subsidize natural gas generators for our homes.

  Xcel needs to stop using a cleaver when they ought to be using a scalpel.

  
  
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  Cell service during emergencies

  by WiRo, 5 months ago
  I believe PUC has authority over cellular services in Colorado, and this comment is related to the public safety power shutoffs. When power is shut off during weather emergencies, and home wifi networks no longer work, it's critical that residents have reliable cellular service to receive communications. I live in a residential neighborhood within the city limits of Boulder, and my cellular reception is terrible (I've had both Verizon and T-Mobile, and both are equally bad). This is not an issue when wifi is working, but is a critical safety issue when power goes out. PUC should investigate the adequacy... Continue reading

  I believe PUC has authority over cellular services in Colorado, and this comment is related to the public safety power shutoffs. When power is shut off during weather emergencies, and home wifi networks no longer work, it's critical that residents have reliable cellular service to receive communications. I live in a residential neighborhood within the city limits of Boulder, and my cellular reception is terrible (I've had both Verizon and T-Mobile, and both are equally bad). This is not an issue when wifi is working, but is a critical safety issue when power goes out. PUC should investigate the adequacy of cellular reception in residential areas to ensure critical communication is available when power is shut off.
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  Feels Punitive

  by Farva, 5 months ago

  The first planned outage on December 17 went into effect pretty much right on time. Here in Golden, businesses and residence were without power for 28 hours - I believe that was well over the estimated restoration time that was initially quoted. Updates were seldom and inaccurate; basically the amount of time we had planned for having an outage was stretched double or triple the amount of time which really does affect things.
  During the first outage, there was wind, and there were gusts, but we had worse, way worse, a week before and there were no shut offs.

  The... Continue reading

  The first planned outage on December 17 went into effect pretty much right on time. Here in Golden, businesses and residence were without power for 28 hours - I believe that was well over the estimated restoration time that was initially quoted. Updates were seldom and inaccurate; basically the amount of time we had planned for having an outage was stretched double or triple the amount of time which really does affect things.
  During the first outage, there was wind, and there were gusts, but we had worse, way worse, a week before and there were no shut offs.

  The second planned outage on December 19 went into effect pretty close to the time estimated. And was projected to last until 10 PM the same day. Around mid-day, an update was sent out informing customers that the outage would extend another 24 hours.

  During the second outage, it’s pretty much been still outside the whole time with the exception of working hours on December 19, having some light gusts but again, nothing alarming. At the time of writing this it is December 20 and during the late morning: there is absolutely zero wind, not even a breeze.

  
  I think XCEL intended for it to be painful to customers since being held accountable for negligence resulting in the Marshall fire. It is, what I believe, a flippant and punitive measure towards people in the areas adjacent to Superior.

  The impact to their customers’ lives from a monetary and safety standpoint is apparent: unheated homes run the risk of burst water pipes, groceries (which have gone up 40% in the last year) run the risk of spoiling with lots of people having to go well away from where they live in order to just get ice to preserve their food, some people are reliant on equipment to sustain their health and in some cases their lives, lost revenue for small businesses: think restaurants with lost in inventory and mom pop retail shops. All of this for “safety.”

  Many people see this as a selfish, punishing measure from a few people who are banking millions from us and continue to raise their prices so they can fill their greedy little pockets with more. This is appalling and egregious.
  
  What I’m starting to worry about now is; is this the way winter is going to be from now on? Will the power be shut off every other day?
  
  

  We are experiencing both a tremendous rise in cost for electrical service and a tremendous fall in reliability of that service. The power company is basically saying “you’ll get what we feed you, shut up and pay your bill. “I honestly wouldn’t mind paying a little more for electricity if the infrastructure is maintained and updated to handle what is becoming normal weather patterns. But we are paying more for less, and we are being taken advantage of by these corporate jerks.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
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  PSPS

  by Ron1, 5 months ago
  The December PSPS shutdown in December 2025. What a joke. I live on the border of Golden and Arvada. Between the 2 shutdowns I have been without power for over 48 hours. The wind over the past 24 hours has been non existent. You couldn't fly a kite if you tried. This isn't the first wind that colorado had experienced and it won't be the last. It seems to me that there should be a better approach to managing fire risk than simply cutting power to a large swath of customers who live on the west side of town and... Continue reading

  The December PSPS shutdown in December 2025. What a joke. I live on the border of Golden and Arvada. Between the 2 shutdowns I have been without power for over 48 hours. The wind over the past 24 hours has been non existent. You couldn't fly a kite if you tried. This isn't the first wind that colorado had experienced and it won't be the last. It seems to me that there should be a better approach to managing fire risk than simply cutting power to a large swath of customers who live on the west side of town and into the foothills.

  
  

  How is it that individuals living up coal creek have their power back you while ours in the west Avvada area remains missing?

  
  

  Think about all the food that people have lost, the amount of losses business encountered, and the community that relies on power for medical devices.

  
  

  This is nothing more than an overaction to the Marshall fire of which xcel settled on. That fire was started by mother nature, not xcel. Let's stop acting like a third world nation.

  
  

  Bring back the power.

  This is a joke.