Public Safety Power Shutoff

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  Can Xcel Energy shut off my power legally?

  by JianYao, 2 months ago

  I've been paying Xcel Energy bills on time for a decade. Recently, they would like to upgrade the electric meter from the existing one to a smart meter. However, our cables are tight so that there's no easy way to do this upgrade. We have to replace the whole power panel, which is extremely costly. Since the existing electric meter works perfectly fine so far, can we keep it as is? Can Xcel Energy legally shut off the power to my house because of this upgrade issue? It's fine if they want to charge a bit more, but I don't... Continue reading

  I've been paying Xcel Energy bills on time for a decade. Recently, they would like to upgrade the electric meter from the existing one to a smart meter. However, our cables are tight so that there's no easy way to do this upgrade. We have to replace the whole power panel, which is extremely costly. Since the existing electric meter works perfectly fine so far, can we keep it as is? Can Xcel Energy legally shut off the power to my house because of this upgrade issue? It's fine if they want to charge a bit more, but I don't want to be forced to use the smart meter.
• Share I have tried to work with this monopoly, and they act with impunity… Extracting double billing from me at will. on Facebook Share I have tried to work with this monopoly, and they act with impunity… Extracting double billing from me at will. on Twitter Share I have tried to work with this monopoly, and they act with impunity… Extracting double billing from me at will. on Linkedin Email I have tried to work with this monopoly, and they act with impunity… Extracting double billing from me at will. link

  I have tried to work with this monopoly, and they act with impunity… Extracting double billing from me at will.

  by mengelcooks, 2 months ago
  I take issue with Xcel Energy and their business practices. They are deceitful and act with impunity, knowing that they are monopoly for a service that people must have in the state in order to live.. I have had solar panels installed onto my house and they reduced the rate at which they purchased electricity back from solar panels mitigating the impact that makes on my bill. I asked for my bill to be averaged out. And then followed their advice on how to cut power usage and cost. It’s been a record or mirror. I have not needed to... Continue reading

  I take issue with Xcel Energy and their business practices. They are deceitful and act with impunity, knowing that they are monopoly for a service that people must have in the state in order to live.. I have had solar panels installed onto my house and they reduced the rate at which they purchased electricity back from solar panels mitigating the impact that makes on my bill. I asked for my bill to be averaged out. And then followed their advice on how to cut power usage and cost. It’s been a record or mirror. I have not needed to use the furnace and barely use electricity and have generated power from my solar panels. Mine normally $150 a month bill is now $315.

  With no warning and no explanation. On an unseasonably warm winter, and after using their advice on how to cut power cost. My house is almost exclusively lit LED lights. I rarely use power. Or gas to heat the home… this company just behaves with impunity, knowing nobody is going to do anything about it.. we have citizens deserve so much better.

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Share "True Landline Service" goes down with the electrical grid! And Xcel's processes still lacking on Facebook Share "True Landline Service" goes down with the electrical grid! And Xcel's processes still lacking on Twitter Share "True Landline Service" goes down with the electrical grid! And Xcel's processes still lacking on Linkedin Email "True Landline Service" goes down with the electrical grid! And Xcel's processes still lacking link

  "True Landline Service" goes down with the electrical grid! And Xcel's processes still lacking

  by RLR, 2 months ago
  I have "true" landline service, not VOIP. I have it because I want a way to get and place calls should there be cell service or power disruption. In years past, I don't recall - when the electricity went out - that I had disruption of service. In fact, I'm pretty sure I didn't. But now that is what happens.

  
  

  Why isn't CenturyLink/Lumen being required to have an electrical back-up for this essential service? For those who only have landline service, this is beyond vital. I don't know what kind of generator (what kind of capacity) it would need to... Continue reading

  I have "true" landline service, not VOIP. I have it because I want a way to get and place calls should there be cell service or power disruption. In years past, I don't recall - when the electricity went out - that I had disruption of service. In fact, I'm pretty sure I didn't. But now that is what happens.

  
  

  Why isn't CenturyLink/Lumen being required to have an electrical back-up for this essential service? For those who only have landline service, this is beyond vital. I don't know what kind of generator (what kind of capacity) it would need to be, but it's just to keep the lines alive - right? Shouldn't be that much?

  Also, when Xcel cut electricity to large swaths of Boulder County in December, a downed power line was reported to Xcel that was in Sunshine Canyon. Yet the bobbleheads at Xcel somehow failed to communicate this to repair crews, so when Xcel repowered those lines, a grass fire was indeed started. Had the winds been even brisk that day, that fire easily would've made it into Boulder city proper. Wow. How in 4 years since the Marshall Fire (in which I lost my home and my life's work) Xcel didn't come up with a process that relayed communications about downed lines to the proper entity is pure incompetence. Xcel needs to set up processes and needs to apparently have them reviewed (preferably by an outside entity skilled in reviewing process engineering) to determine if they are valid and robust.
• 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, 3 months 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.

  After all of which they still proceeded to just flip the switch, even though the winds were never nearly as strong as we’ve experienced previously... Continue reading

  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.

  After all of which they still proceeded to just flip the switch, even though the winds were never nearly as strong as we’ve experienced previously with no interruptions.

  The PUC should never have approved this boondoggle, instead, they should have required Xcel to bury the lines!

  Meanwhile, we sit here helplessly watching $500 worth of groceries spoiling in our refrigerator and freezer while our bills continue to increase with more and more inexplicable fees.

  Shame on Xcel and shame the PUC! You need to represent the people of Colorado Instead of cowering to a monopolistic system.
• Share Xcel restored our power PREMATURELY on December 20, 2025 on Facebook Share Xcel restored our power PREMATURELY on December 20, 2025 on Twitter Share Xcel restored our power PREMATURELY on December 20, 2025 on Linkedin Email Xcel restored our power PREMATURELY on December 20, 2025 link

  Xcel restored our power PREMATURELY on December 20, 2025

  by RealPDF, 3 months 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.

  However, our power was restored during the afternoon of the next day (December 20) while there were still extremely high winds in the Gunbarrel area.

  In our opinion, the power restoration in our area was PREMATURE and left us at high risk of wildfire because the power lines near our house are still mounted on wood poles.

  We have the distinct impression that Xcel staff did not know what they were doing that day. We... Continue reading

  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.

  However, our power was restored during the afternoon of the next day (December 20) while there were still extremely high winds in the Gunbarrel area.

  In our opinion, the power restoration in our area was PREMATURE and left us at high risk of wildfire because the power lines near our house are still mounted on wood poles.

  We have the distinct impression that Xcel staff did not know what they were doing that day. We were unable to contact Xcel in any way that they would pay immediate attention to us. We also notified the Boulder Emergency Operations Center, but received no response from them.

  We urge Xcel to improve their emergency procedures so that this never happens again.

  Thanks.
• Share Transportation safety impacts on Facebook Share Transportation safety impacts on Twitter Share Transportation safety impacts on Linkedin Email Transportation safety impacts link

  Transportation safety impacts

  by Wit, 3 months 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

  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 power remained out from 17th to the 20th.

  Comparative Analysis
  Investor-owned utilities like Xcel have implemented PSPS, whereas mountain power cooperatives—facing equal or greater wind risks—did not. These co-ops prioritize service continuity for their customer-owners. If residents had the ability to choose their power provider, it is unlikely they would support widespread outages as a risk mitigation measure.

  Public Safety Impacts
  True public safety considerations must account for the consequences of outages. Every time power is cut, major traffic signals go dark, creating a high likelihood of crashes. During December 17 PSPS, Lakewood prepared for significant outages along the Alameda corridor by gathering 10 generators from citywide departments. Since the outage area wasn’t predefined with enough accuracy we didn’t pre-deploy generators as most predicted signal outages had battery backup systems. We experienced a broadside crash at Van Gordon & Cedar while deploying generators early in the outage, followed by a secondary collision. This pattern is predictable: commuter routes with dark signals often do not function as four-way stops, even with driver education of the law.

  Infrastructure Investment & Cost Implications
  Lakewood has invested nearly $1 million in battery backup systems for traffic signals, designed for short-term outages (4-8 hours). These systems cannot sustain the extended durations introduced by PSPS events. We already spend $30,000–$40,000 annually replacing batteries, and these systems will need to drastically change escalating costs under current PSPS practices of multiday outages.

  Policy Recommendations
  Lakewood’s power distribution is a mix of above-ground and underground systems. Xcel should collaborate with municipalities to prioritize feeders most vulnerable to PSPS and initiate a phased undergrounding strategy from substations outward. This should be a joint investment, leveraging city 1% funding where possible. Prioritization should be based on cost-benefit metrics—e.g., undergrounding a feeder that removes 5,000 customers from PSPS risk should rank higher than one affecting 3,000 customers at similar cost. Critical facilities—hospitals, elder care, sewage plants, police stations, and traffic signals on commuter routes—must be weighted heavily in this matrix.

  Conclusion
  PSPS, as currently implemented, introduces significant public safety risks and financial burdens without proportionate benefit. A collaborative, data-driven approach focused on infrastructure resilience—not blanket outages—is essential for true public safety.
• Share I would vote a resounding yes for a publicly owned energy company on Facebook Share I would vote a resounding yes for a publicly owned energy company on Twitter Share I would vote a resounding yes for a publicly owned energy company on Linkedin Email I would vote a resounding yes for a publicly owned energy company link

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

  by ktdora, 3 months 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.

  December rolls around and the following:

  We are advised of a potential power outage.

  Dec 17 - power turned off for a few hours and then comes back on.

  Dec 18- late MORNING power... Continue reading

  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.

  December rolls around and the following:

  We are advised of a potential power outage.

  Dec 17 - power turned off for a few hours and then comes back on.

  Dec 18- late MORNING power goes off and does not come back on until Dec 21 12:30 pm.

  Receive my Xcel bill. I checked my usage -

  I am being incorrectly charged for a full day on the 18th, including prime hours (after 5pm)???

  I am being incorrectly charged for the 19th

  I am being incorrectly charged for the full day on the 21st.

  When talking to Xcel they say the meter shows I had electric during these times - I was stuck at home without a car (in the shop that had no electric) during this entire time and had absolutely no power. They tried to tell me that maybe I had partial power somehow????? How is that possible? Nothing was on in my home or in my neighbors' homes - we were in constant communication. I questioned the Xcel representative - if my new meter is somehow transmitting the wrong data how much have I been paying them extra each month? They will send someone to check my meter but as of now I doubt very much that I can get a refund for the power I did not have but was charged for; they are sticking by their meter readings. To top all of that off, I received an email stating that due to the increase in wholesale gas our bills would now reflect this increase - what? Also, received an email about Xcel's request for price increases this coming year (as they do yearly). I am, to say the least, very disappointed and upset with Xcel and their many ways of gouging the consumer while making record profits.

  
  
• Share No cell service for emergencies without power on Facebook Share No cell service for emergencies without power on Twitter Share No cell service for emergencies without power on Linkedin Email No cell service for emergencies without power link

  No cell service for emergencies without power

  by Michael Drewek, 3 months ago

  We live on Lookout Mountain and have absolutely no cell coverage without Internet calling. Without power we have no way of receiving emergency messages about fires or evacuations. We also cannot call for an ambulance or the fire department if needed.

  We live on Lookout Mountain and have absolutely no cell coverage without Internet calling. Without power we have no way of receiving emergency messages about fires or evacuations. We also cannot call for an ambulance or the fire department if needed.
• Share "Schedules" Power outages in Boulder on Facebook Share "Schedules" Power outages in Boulder on Twitter Share "Schedules" Power outages in Boulder on Linkedin Email "Schedules" Power outages in Boulder link

  "Schedules" Power outages in Boulder

  by EllenC, 3 months ago
  Greetings,

  
  

  These "scheduled" power outages in Boulder are not done very well. On the map, my neighborhood was not listed to be out of power. However, we did not have power for 26+ hours. The "updates" we received from excel were: late, not correct in timing. not very informative (ie, said our power would be restored in a few hours, then less than 5 minutes later, said the power will be restored, but not time given, said they could not give an estimate of time, no reasons). Since the first "shut off power to save from litigation" we have lost... Continue reading

  Greetings,

  
  

  These "scheduled" power outages in Boulder are not done very well. On the map, my neighborhood was not listed to be out of power. However, we did not have power for 26+ hours. The "updates" we received from excel were: late, not correct in timing. not very informative (ie, said our power would be restored in a few hours, then less than 5 minutes later, said the power will be restored, but not time given, said they could not give an estimate of time, no reasons). Since the first "shut off power to save from litigation" we have lost power each and every week for a few minutes to several hours, sometimes up to 6 hours. ALWAYS, we get a notice that we "could" be experiencing power outages in our neighborhood, either AFTER the power has been restored, some hours after the power is off or on one occasion, there was no notice. I work from home and this has drastically affected my work, as I either have to go to a library, (which is local and has had their power off too), or I have to go to Denver to the office, which costs me time and money. During the high winds day, I had to take a half a day off, as it was too late to head to work when we lost power. (I start work at 5:00am). We lost food from our fridge, due to 26+ hours without power which costs us again time and money, because our local stores also lost power and we had to go to Louisville to order dinner and get a morning coffee. This is absolutely ridiculous, especially when excel has had a bonus year in revenues AND THE PUC gives them every single rate increase they ask for WITH NOTHING FOR THE CONSUMERS. YOU MUST HAVE A BACKBONE AND STOP THIS INSANITY, they should be using their windfall (which YOU GAVE THEM) to bury, improve do whatever it takes so we the CONSUMERS get what we pay for. Excel is shutting power due to worries about litigation, not worries about us, the people and the businesses. I am so fed up with the politics as usual and the gamesmanship which happens each and every time excel goes to you for rate increases. Please start implementing policies which actually help the CONSUMERS and NOT THE BUSINESS of EXCEL.
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  Preventive Electrical Outage, Dec. 2025

  by Pat and Jack, 3 months ago
  To Whom It May Concern,

  First of all, for the past 56 years in our home in the foothills of Jeffco, we have always appreciated the services from IREA/now CORE. I don't think we have ever had a serious complaint. And, even now we understand the need for the outage in December of 2025 because of the high winds and we still appreciate the fact that they were preemptive. Our feedback is that we needed more on-going information. We received the initial email about the coming outage but once it happened we had no idea how long it was going... Continue reading

  To Whom It May Concern,

  First of all, for the past 56 years in our home in the foothills of Jeffco, we have always appreciated the services from IREA/now CORE. I don't think we have ever had a serious complaint. And, even now we understand the need for the outage in December of 2025 because of the high winds and we still appreciate the fact that they were preemptive. Our feedback is that we needed more on-going information. We received the initial email about the coming outage but once it happened we had no idea how long it was going to last or what we needed to do to prepare. My husband is on oxygen 24/7 and is 90 years old. The oxygen people had no extra tanks for backups even though we had three on hand. We went through two the first day. By the third day, our son hooked up a generator, so we made it through. It seemed to us that Saturday and Sunday the winds had calmed substantially. We still hadn't heard a word from CORE. Even if we had heard that they expected it to be four or five days, we would have been more at ease. Communication is key in difficult situations; we hope you can improve your communication in the future.

  Sincerely, Pat and Jack Sliemers