Xcel customers in the Denver area could lose power Monday during “critical fire weather,” according to the company.
As of Sunday afternoon, Xcel officials were debating whether to implement preemptive power shutoffs for public safety in Adams, Boulder, Jefferson and Denver counties, according to a news release from the utility.
The shutoff would begin at 11 a.m. Monday and last through 6 p.m., when weather conditions are expected to improve, Xcel officials stated in the release.
“Temporarily shutting off power … is not a step taken lightly and is only used when other methods are not enough to help prevent wildfires,” officials stated.
A red flag warning will be in effect Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Jefferson, Douglas, Gilpin, Clear Creek, Park, Boulder, Broomfield, Adams, Denver, Arapahoe, Elbert, Lincoln and Washington counties, according to the National Weather Service.
Relative humidities as low as 15% and strong winds up to 50 mph across the foothills, metro area and Eastern Plains will create conditions “favorable for rapid fire spread,” forecasters stated in the warning.
The “extreme weather conditions” may lead to additional unplanned power outages as strong winds impact powerlines, Xcel officials said.
“Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) are activated across northern Colorado, which means power lines are more sensitive and can quickly stop the flow of energy if an issue, like a tree branch touching the line, is detected,” officials stated. “Power will remain off until our crews can make sure it’s safe to turn back on.”
The settings increase public safety but can also increase the length of power outages, according to the utility. Crews will be standing by Monday to patrol service areas and restore power as quickly as possible.
Xcel officials said customers in the potential outage areas should assemble an outage kit and update their account communications preferences to receive updates.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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