Public Safety Power Shutoff

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Power outage graphic

Xcel is planning a potential PSPS for parts of Larimer and Weld on Friday January 14, 2026.

On December 17, 2025 Xcel Energy implemented a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) impacting around 52,000 customers in Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties. Again on December 19, 2025 Xcel Energy implemented a second PSPS event that impacted approximately 69,000 customers in those same counties. Total outages across these days were higher due to damage from this storm and other protective measures implemented by Xcel.

PSPS events are implemented in order to reduce the risk of a wildfire caused by power lines or other utility infrastructure. The Public Utilities Commission does not approve or deny Xcel’s use of proactive shutoffs however, the Agency does have an important role in ensuring that the communication, preparation and coordination of PSPS events is protective of customers.

The PUC is creating a new set of rules establishing permanent requirements and standards for public safety power shutoffs. Staff is currently working to draft these rules and welcomes input from Xcel customers on their experiences with the most recent PSPS events. This information will help ensure that the PUC’s rules are comprehensive.

Please take a few minutes to give us your feedback through the survey or comment links below.

Xcel is planning a potential PSPS for parts of Larimer and Weld on Friday January 14, 2026.

On December 17, 2025 Xcel Energy implemented a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) impacting around 52,000 customers in Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties. Again on December 19, 2025 Xcel Energy implemented a second PSPS event that impacted approximately 69,000 customers in those same counties. Total outages across these days were higher due to damage from this storm and other protective measures implemented by Xcel.

PSPS events are implemented in order to reduce the risk of a wildfire caused by power lines or other utility infrastructure. The Public Utilities Commission does not approve or deny Xcel’s use of proactive shutoffs however, the Agency does have an important role in ensuring that the communication, preparation and coordination of PSPS events is protective of customers.

The PUC is creating a new set of rules establishing permanent requirements and standards for public safety power shutoffs. Staff is currently working to draft these rules and welcomes input from Xcel customers on their experiences with the most recent PSPS events. This information will help ensure that the PUC’s rules are comprehensive.

Please take a few minutes to give us your feedback through the survey or comment links below.

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  • Share 19th Century infrastructure on Facebook Share 19th Century infrastructure on Twitter Share 19th Century infrastructure on Linkedin Email 19th Century infrastructure link

    19th Century infrastructure

    by BeyondFrustrated, 8 days ago

    Why are we being serviced by 19th century infrastructure in the 21st century?

    Xcel has spent at least 5 years replacing an antiquated power delivery system on the lookout mountain area instead of bringing it up to today’s Standards. They spent millions replacing poles and cross ties in this area, and then turned right around and replaced those same poles again because someone had mistakenly specified an incorrect preservative treatment, all at the customer’s expense.

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    Xcel restored our power PREMATURELY on December 20, 2025

    by RealPDF, 8 days ago
    We lost our power as scheduled by Xcel on the morning of December 19, 2025. There are NO COMPLAINTS from us about this safety measure.

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    Transportation safety impacts

    by Wit, 8 days ago

    Introduction
    I appreciate Xcel Energy’s efforts to improve system reliability; however, it is critical to recognize that Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are primarily a liability mitigation strategy—not a comprehensive public safety solution. While the Superior fire was a tragic event, historical data over the past 50+ years shows that such fires are extremely rare when proper maintenance of power distribution infrastructure is performed. The probability of another Superior-type fire remains very low under standard maintenance practices. The December 17 PSPS also started at 5AM, but it didn’t really get high wind gusts in Lakewood until the afternoon. The PSPS... Continue reading

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    I would vote a resounding yes for a publicly owned energy company

    by ktdora, 9 days ago

    I live in Evergreen. Our power lines are underground. Whenever my electric (along with 6 others neighbors) goes out my neighbors' 4 houses up the street from me have power. For some reason we are on a different grid? In November our electric was turned off due to Xcel update/repairs. Obviously, these repairs and updates did not factor into our electric being shut off in December.

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    by Michael Drewek, 9 days ago

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    "Schedules" Power outages in Boulder

    by EllenC, 9 days ago
    Greetings,


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    Preventive Electrical Outage, Dec. 2025

    by Pat and Jack, 10 days ago
    To Whom It May Concern,

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    Community Statement from Jack’s Bar & Grill

    by Athan, 10 days ago


    Jack’s Bar and Grill is a family-owned restaurant that has proudly served northwest Arvada for the past 15 years. We are deeply rooted in this community and committed to being a social-enterprise business — hiring and training individuals with developmental disabilities to work in kitchens throughout the Denver Metro area. Our mission has always been about more than food; it’s about opportunity, dignity, and community.

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    PSPS Impacts Causing Economic Harm and Forcing Unsustainable Resiliency Costs on Small Businesses

    by SGanter, 10 days ago


    To the Colorado Public Utilities Commission,

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    SHUT OFF AREAS TOO BROAD and EXCESSIVE SHUT OFF TIMES

    by DNPD, 10 days ago
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Page last updated: 30 Jan 2026, 04:52 PM