Public Safety Power Shutoff

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• Share Too similar to COVID with expectation for businesses expected to pivot with 24-hours or less notice on Facebook Share Too similar to COVID with expectation for businesses expected to pivot with 24-hours or less notice on Twitter Share Too similar to COVID with expectation for businesses expected to pivot with 24-hours or less notice on Linkedin Email Too similar to COVID with expectation for businesses expected to pivot with 24-hours or less notice link

  Too similar to COVID with expectation for businesses expected to pivot with 24-hours or less notice

  by shaynabarr, 3 months ago

  I own a small physical rehabilitation clinic at 125 and Colorado in central Denver. I have 4 employees and we are located in a high rise office building. We lost several days of business, like a lot of other small business owners. We also had a second black out in January that lasted several days, and I still can't get a straight answer as to if this was intentional on the part of X-cel or if it was unexpected. My main issue with intentional power shut-offs, is that like COVID, businesses can't be expected to pivot with 24-hours or less... Continue reading

  I own a small physical rehabilitation clinic at 125 and Colorado in central Denver. I have 4 employees and we are located in a high rise office building. We lost several days of business, like a lot of other small business owners. We also had a second black out in January that lasted several days, and I still can't get a straight answer as to if this was intentional on the part of X-cel or if it was unexpected. My main issue with intentional power shut-offs, is that like COVID, businesses can't be expected to pivot with 24-hours or less notice, either to shut down or to open up again after being closed for several days. This is an unreasonable amount of time. And the scramble that it creates, is very reminiscent of the COVID shut-downs for us. Also, at our office building, we are not the direct X-cel tenant, as our building pays the utilities with our lease. How does X-cel plan to deal with notifying all of the small businesses around the state that are in a leasing arrangement where they are not the direct X-cel customer? There has to be a notification period, and there needs to also be public announcements. I would also suggest that there is some kind of expectation created for how large office buildings need to be expected to adjust to this situation if it is ongoing-- like making it easier to put commercial generators on the roofs or removing barriers to commercial properties obtaining back-up power capabilities.
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  Power Loss in Leyden Ranch

  by AlpineOtter, 3 months ago

  Our family was affected by the planned power shutoff on December 17th and expected shutoff on December 19th. We lost groceries in fridges and freezers, time off of work, and required a hotel for two nights. We recognize we are lucky and were glad Xcel sent people across the area to monitor down lines. I cannot ignore a company that has pocketed too many profits and not invested in our infrastructure.

  
  

  Is it possible to cap Xcel’s profits? What can we do to ensure our power grid is prepared for future events that prevents families from losing hundreds in food... Continue reading

  Our family was affected by the planned power shutoff on December 17th and expected shutoff on December 19th. We lost groceries in fridges and freezers, time off of work, and required a hotel for two nights. We recognize we are lucky and were glad Xcel sent people across the area to monitor down lines. I cannot ignore a company that has pocketed too many profits and not invested in our infrastructure.

  
  

  Is it possible to cap Xcel’s profits? What can we do to ensure our power grid is prepared for future events that prevents families from losing hundreds in food bills, time off from work and kids out of school?

  
  

  I would implore you to do what you can in the statehouse to protect our communities going forward.
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  A disaster waiting to happen

  by ser, 3 months ago

  I could share a lot of stories about how this affected us. However the main danger that concerns me is the total lack of an emergency plan for this area. We're supposed to be notified by local government when there is a fire or other danger, but that notification will come via text, phone call, or email. How can we receive those when Xcel turns off all power for 5 days including power to cell towers and internet providers? We had no way to communicate or receive any warnings FOR FIVE DAYS. If there had been a fire, nobody would... Continue reading

  I could share a lot of stories about how this affected us. However the main danger that concerns me is the total lack of an emergency plan for this area. We're supposed to be notified by local government when there is a fire or other danger, but that notification will come via text, phone call, or email. How can we receive those when Xcel turns off all power for 5 days including power to cell towers and internet providers? We had no way to communicate or receive any warnings FOR FIVE DAYS. If there had been a fire, nobody would have been warned. Is there no plan to keep communications powered when Xcel feels the need to protect itself from blame? This must be addressed.
• Share Almost 4 days without power, and never a reliable estimate on restoration on Facebook Share Almost 4 days without power, and never a reliable estimate on restoration on Twitter Share Almost 4 days without power, and never a reliable estimate on restoration on Linkedin Email Almost 4 days without power, and never a reliable estimate on restoration link

  Almost 4 days without power, and never a reliable estimate on restoration

  by Herbiedriver, 3 months ago

  Lost power Wednesday, right when we had family come in from out of town. Ended up having to put them in a hotel for 4 days, on our dime. Lost all the food we prepped for the holidays. Every day Excel would message an estimated time and never once made that time. We also lost all cell phone coverage in the area, so if there had been an evacuation we wouldn't have known about it. Had to get in the car to drive east to get LTE or 5G. When power finally did come on, we were half a day... Continue reading

  Lost power Wednesday, right when we had family come in from out of town. Ended up having to put them in a hotel for 4 days, on our dime. Lost all the food we prepped for the holidays. Every day Excel would message an estimated time and never once made that time. We also lost all cell phone coverage in the area, so if there had been an evacuation we wouldn't have known about it. Had to get in the car to drive east to get LTE or 5G. When power finally did come on, we were half a day behind the exclusive neighborhood next to ours. Now they want to raise rates on both electricity and gas... I would like to be reimbursed for almost $1,500 in expenses due to this.
• Share Xcel is irresponsible and has substandard tech on Facebook Share Xcel is irresponsible and has substandard tech on Twitter Share Xcel is irresponsible and has substandard tech on Linkedin Email Xcel is irresponsible and has substandard tech link

  Xcel is irresponsible and has substandard tech

  by Sherick, 4 months ago
  I heard the Poudre REA customers were not affected (except where they depend on poles that were damaged) - they are responsible and care about their clients!

  
  

  Our neighborhood is in north Fort Collins along Lemay near Tavelli and we were out of power all day Friday. In addition Xcel pruned to the point of destroying all of the trees along our neighborhood (between Conifer and Willox). Our neighborhood is pressing charges. These lines should be underground!

  
  

  My dear friend lives in southeast Fort Collins and had their power off all day too.

  
  

  Please someone force Xcel to maintain their... Continue reading

  I heard the Poudre REA customers were not affected (except where they depend on poles that were damaged) - they are responsible and care about their clients!

  
  

  Our neighborhood is in north Fort Collins along Lemay near Tavelli and we were out of power all day Friday. In addition Xcel pruned to the point of destroying all of the trees along our neighborhood (between Conifer and Willox). Our neighborhood is pressing charges. These lines should be underground!

  
  

  My dear friend lives in southeast Fort Collins and had their power off all day too.

  
  

  Please someone force Xcel to maintain their standard of equipment and service! They are too cheap and don't care about their customers!
• Share INCOMPETENCE AT PUC & XCEL on Facebook Share INCOMPETENCE AT PUC & XCEL on Twitter Share INCOMPETENCE AT PUC & XCEL on Linkedin Email INCOMPETENCE AT PUC & XCEL link

  INCOMPETENCE AT PUC & XCEL

  by ANGRY RESIDENT, 4 months ago
  1. Given the demonstrated incompetence why haven't the PUC members resigned in embarrassment? I suggest reading some of the reports developed by the staff. Truly alarming level of incompetence.

  2. Why do rate payers have to support a corporation obviously fixated on providing a horrible product? Xcel is a stockholder company apparently couldn't care less about "public service."

  3. Let's put Xcel on a 5 year plan to radically overhaul their antiquated infrastructure. Why, in 2026, is the system so pathetic? Because Xcel is incompetent and not interested in anything other than stealing money from the residents of CO.

  4... Continue reading

  1. Given the demonstrated incompetence why haven't the PUC members resigned in embarrassment? I suggest reading some of the reports developed by the staff. Truly alarming level of incompetence.

  2. Why do rate payers have to support a corporation obviously fixated on providing a horrible product? Xcel is a stockholder company apparently couldn't care less about "public service."

  3. Let's put Xcel on a 5 year plan to radically overhaul their antiquated infrastructure. Why, in 2026, is the system so pathetic? Because Xcel is incompetent and not interested in anything other than stealing money from the residents of CO.

  4. CO has wind. Just in case Xcel and the PUC hadn't heard. Why don't we have infrastructure that reflects reality?

  
  

  PATHETIC
• Share Good intent, same outcomes on Facebook Share Good intent, same outcomes on Twitter Share Good intent, same outcomes on Linkedin Email Good intent, same outcomes link

  Good intent, same outcomes

  by Fireman, 4 months ago
  I am a firefighter in the foothills and red flag warning days when fuels are dry keep me up at night. I appreciate Excel trying to mitigate some wildfire caused by electrical hazards but, ultimately, it is merely an indemnity issue for them and does very little to eliminate wildfires. I know this because I responded to numerous fires that day caused by power lines that were "deenergized"...that weren't.

  What happens when utility companies kill power is that thousands of people fire up their generators. When there are thousands of generators backfeeding the lines they are carrying just as much... Continue reading

  I am a firefighter in the foothills and red flag warning days when fuels are dry keep me up at night. I appreciate Excel trying to mitigate some wildfire caused by electrical hazards but, ultimately, it is merely an indemnity issue for them and does very little to eliminate wildfires. I know this because I responded to numerous fires that day caused by power lines that were "deenergized"...that weren't.

  What happens when utility companies kill power is that thousands of people fire up their generators. When there are thousands of generators backfeeding the lines they are carrying just as much current bit with zero accountability. Furthermore, this causes a huge hazard for our firefighters as normally we call Excel or CORE if we have a power issue and they quickly mitigate it for us. When thousands of individual homeowners are sending current back into the grid neither first responders nor utility companies have any control of it. In the end, the fires start anyway but businesses lose income, people lose groceries and life becomes harder for everyone.
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  Xcellent Job! Thank you!

  by Faithchristiansen, 4 months ago
  
  

  (My apologies to the moderators! This is the second attempt. I found many typos in the first!)

  
  

  20 Jan 2026

  
  

  Xcel Energy handled the recent Wildfire risk with the extreme high winds in an excellent manner. I was surprised to see the complaint from Tammy Story who I follow and do support.

  
  

  But I feel our culture has unrealistic expectations expecting perfection out of our organizations and government when we cannot expect it out of ourselves.

  
  

  I feel we could be more realistic with the fact that a large corporation such as Xcel, who has serviced our Foothills home for... Continue reading

  
  

  (My apologies to the moderators! This is the second attempt. I found many typos in the first!)

  
  

  20 Jan 2026

  
  

  Xcel Energy handled the recent Wildfire risk with the extreme high winds in an excellent manner. I was surprised to see the complaint from Tammy Story who I follow and do support.

  
  

  But I feel our culture has unrealistic expectations expecting perfection out of our organizations and government when we cannot expect it out of ourselves.

  
  

  I feel we could be more realistic with the fact that a large corporation such as Xcel, who has serviced our Foothills home for more than 25 years, cannot be God.

  
  

  I understand that the short time notice made it difficult for many people. I understand the frustration at food loss, at low temperatures in the home.

  
  

  But the circumstance we had was, to my understanding, unprecedented in the past years of modern technology.

  
  

  Will we criticize Xcel for moving quickly to preserve lives and no doubt millions of dollars and complain about the hundreds we have lost and the fact that we or cold?

  
  

  I find this critical attitude disheartening and not at all encouraging. And please know we have nothing to do with Xcel, other than to receive services from them. I have nothing to gain from this comment personally.

  
  

  I find a scolding attitude does not help, especially when people are doing the best they can in a difficult situation.

  
  

  We also had to come up with an emergency backup plan for preserving food. We have cold packs and ice that we did the best we could with and yes some food was lost and yes the EVENT was irritating and frustrating, but I thought Xcel handled it amazingly well.

  
  

  The goal of the company was to preserve many lives and it is not their responsibility to play parent and navigate the internal home situation of emergency power loss for hundreds of thousands of people.

  
  

  Why do the people not have responsibility within their own homes to have backup situations for emergencies?

  
  

  Each individual could have a backup plan that would be less than $1,000 long-term, no doubt over five or 10-years.

  
  

  We lived in the Foothills and we always had backup plans, though this was the first time we had to invest $700 in a generator and yes it was frustrating, but in no way was it Xcel's fault.

  
  

  We had a relatively new and unique situation and we have learned from it.

  
  

  They will learn as well, but scolding instead of applauding puts unrealistic expectations on humans. We do the best we can do.

  
  

  Why not scold the individuals for not being prepared for an emergency? Thankfully Xcel has not taken that attitude toward us, and we would be offended if they did.

  
  

  Our family has lived below poverty level for many years and I understand money being tight, I understand living paycheck to paycheck, but this is where family and community come in.

  
  

  This is where we have to make decisions and choices in our lives to let go of some of the things that we want to have, some of the things we spend our time, energy money and resources, and then we have to learn how to be prepared. And this is difficult. I have brain processing issues and I understand not everybody can do this.

  
  

  Which is why we have families and communities.

  
  

  But it still is not Xcel's job or the government's job to play parent or family.

  
  

  It is the parents and the families and the community's job to oversee that the individuals are properly trained and cared for in a realistic manner.

  
  

  
  

  I know this challenges much of today's thinking, but the government is not meant to be God, neither is the corporation and we can get as angry as we want at them failing us in areas where we ourselves should have taken responsibility, but if we continue to criticize and insist they do things that are impossible, they will not be able to afford the time, money or energy to do the things they need to do for us which is provide electricity gas and the power needed to run the Heat and the lights.

  
  

  So let's allow them to take their time and energy into the things that they are supposed to do, because surely we understand if we put more on their plate that is our responsibility and make them do our jobs then we will be paying them more money to do our job.

  
  

  Surely it makes a whole lot more sense for us for each individual to help our communities and see that everybody has a backup plan, than to increase yet again the cost of energy, because we are refusing to take our responsibility and do what we are supposed to do. Forgive me that makes no logical sense.

  
  

  If needed, we can step back a bit from purchasing lottery tickets and McDonald's and Starbucks, perhaps we could step back from vaping and cigarettes and learn to budget, and to be more resilient as individuals within society, learning once again what it means to be a community and to care for those who truly cannot care for themselves.

  
  

  We could give up some of our video game time, movie time, and social media time and take the time to check in on our neighbors and make sure they are prepared for any kind of emergency.

  
  

  For those that are elderly or sick, for centuries family and community were the support.

  
  

  Expecting the government and corporations to take the place of family and take the place of community is completely unrealistic. That is not their job. 🙏💞

  
  

  I was hugely impressed with the whole thing and very grateful that they were able to navigate putting in place outages to protect lives and no doubt millions if not billions of dollars in property should some crazy fires erupt.

  
  

  Could you imagine if, instead of what we had to go through we had 20 or 35 fires starting across the city? No doubt then we would complain they had not done their job.

  
  

  But perhaps if mitigation is needed they can outline a structure so that individuals can have backup plans in their homes for such emergencies, such as a generator.

  
  

  Emergency supplies for food that are shelf stable. That do not need to be cooked. We always have peanut butter jelly and cereal and you can live for quite a few days on that.

  
  

  We can be responsible humans, understanding that there are emergency situations, and yes they are irritating and sometimes scary, but we don't need to use those situations to attack the people trying to help us.

  
  

  Thank you, Xcel.

  
  

  We didn't lose millions of dollars in a huge Denver fire. We did not lose hundreds of lives.

  
  

  I have no doubt you will evaluate the situation and see how you could have done better with this new dynamic, because we all learn and Grow.

  
  

  I have no doubt that our communities and individuals will commit themselves to taking our time, energy, money and resources into planning and preparing should we have anything like this happen again.

  
  

  I have no doubt we will be responsible for the things within our ability of time, energy, money and resources, working on correcting ourselves for our misuse of those things, before being quick to accuse others.

  
  

  And I have no doubt that every individual will make a circle of five or 10 and take time away from social media and the other things that we do not need for life to make sure that those in our Circle have what they need for life so that if something serious happens we will all be prepared.

  
  

  I applaud Xcel for the way they handled things. I trust that they will do the best to continue to educate and provide resources as they have done for so many years.

  
  

  God's peace.💞🙏

  
  
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  deliberate power shutoffs to avoid potential lawsuits are life-threatening for thousands

  by asokasus, 4 months ago

  deliberate power shutoffs to avoid potential lawsuits by excel are life-threatening for the thousands of elderly and disabled folks like myself dependent upon CPAP, oxygen concentrators, and other medical equipment, as well as loss of emergency communications and Internet services ... and of course in the dead of winter, freezing in the dark is another potential killer for many.

  what is even the purpose of having electrical service if it can simply be cut off at the drop of the hat? ... how is that considered meeting the criteria of delivering reliable service at all times.?

  Other electricity providers like... Continue reading

  deliberate power shutoffs to avoid potential lawsuits by excel are life-threatening for the thousands of elderly and disabled folks like myself dependent upon CPAP, oxygen concentrators, and other medical equipment, as well as loss of emergency communications and Internet services ... and of course in the dead of winter, freezing in the dark is another potential killer for many.

  what is even the purpose of having electrical service if it can simply be cut off at the drop of the hat? ... how is that considered meeting the criteria of delivering reliable service at all times.?

  Other electricity providers like members of the Platt River Power Authority do not shut off their power just because of high winds, so IF these power providers can maintain service then, why can't excel?

  no power provider has ever considered shutting off power in colorado due to high winds until excel got sued. and that's all this is about: excel trying to avoid POTENTIAL liability at the expense of hundreds of thousands of people having their lives seriously disrupted or even ended ...

  
  

  excel's actions are little different than those stickers on hair dryers that advise one not to bath in a bathtub while throwing in a live hair dryer, though in this case, excel's lawsuit avoidance can kill people instead of saving them.
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  Negligence breaking the law

  by Dom, 4 months ago

  This is my SECOND "planned" outage experience with Xcell. I did research and it appears that they are currently being sued by multiple States for over a billion dollars for negligence regarding reporting and irresponsible nefarious activity. Hence the shut offsIm an honest and try to be an accurate person. According to the law in CO, Zcel is breaking it in multiple ways. They are shutting off power to homes with out ANY warning, they are givin no uodates, they are doing it when its sub 32 degrees.(illegal) and they are also shuttingit off on non agreed upon or publicized... Continue reading

  This is my SECOND "planned" outage experience with Xcell. I did research and it appears that they are currently being sued by multiple States for over a billion dollars for negligence regarding reporting and irresponsible nefarious activity. Hence the shut offsIm an honest and try to be an accurate person. According to the law in CO, Zcel is breaking it in multiple ways. They are shutting off power to homes with out ANY warning, they are givin no uodates, they are doing it when its sub 32 degrees.(illegal) and they are also shuttingit off on non agreed upon or publicized times as well.. we are i curing giant costs to pay for groceries going bad, time list working from home, pet bills due to cold weather , accidents due to no street lights, medical equipment failures..I can go on. This is UNNACEPTAVLE and its called breaking the law in CO. Fort Collins has chosen to do mostly under ground energy lines, this should be required by the oversize for energy companies in all "high risk" communities under its jurisdiction. I live in a brand new community in Timnath were i paid a large sum to live, i did not pay for shenanigans. We have rights, we are being treated like trash and it needs to stop or sonone is going to move toward a class action suit. In the meantime, they can build shelters for energy origins, wind protections out of cement that are offset but would reduce the wind to non direct wind and stop beautifying malls, and putting in nee pipes i. The roads every other month to try and get subsidies. Start managing Fort Collins, Timnath like you actually k ow what your doing please. Otherwise your going to get National attention, but not for being well managed. For being crap.