Fire weather watch for Thursday may impact Xcel Energy service

Watch issued by National Weather Service

XCEL ENERGY PRESS RELEASE
September 10, 2024

Xcel Energy is closely monitoring expected severe weather with high winds in Colorado later this week. Excessively dry conditions and significant wind speeds, centered in Mesa and Garfield counties, will create an elevated risk of wildfire, peaking the afternoon and evening of Thursday, September 12.

Xcel Energy utilizes weather forecasts and other data sources to assist us in determining the best course of action to protect public safety. High winds along with low relative humidity and dry ground conditions, such as brush and vegetation, are key factors in our risk modeling. The company updates this information routinely and adjusts its operations and actions accordingly to reduce wildfire risks. The company will continue to coordinate with first responders and customers if conditions change.

Because of the strong winds forecast, some customers may experience power outages, and we are planning ahead to safely restore power for customers who are impacted by outages. Due to the elevated risk of wildfire, we also expect to use special settings on our equipment in the region that assist in reducing wildfires, known as Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS). When these settings are activated, power lines are more sensitive and can instantly stop the flow of energy if an issue, like a tree branch touching the line, is detected. This does not mean the company has proactively turned off a customer’s power but is the result of an issue on the line. Power will remain off until our crews can visually inspect powerlines to make sure it is safe to turn them back on. These settings are intended to improve public safety during heightened fire risk conditions, but it means power outages, if they occur, are likely to last hours or even days longer than typical outages. Xcel Energy will position crews to respond as quickly as possible once the period of high risk has passed.

Finally, as a last resort to protect safety and prevent a wildfire, and only if conditions warrant, Xcel Energy may initiate a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). The company does not believe that conditions warrant such an action at this time, but recognizes that conditions may worsen and to a level that meet the criteria to initiate a PSPS. Xcel Energy will provide timely communications if a PSPS becomes a needed safety option to address this weather.

We want to thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we take steps to reduce the risk of wildfires to keep Colorado safe. We encourage customers to make plans now to be ready for potential power outages later this week from this severe weather. As with all weather events, the forecast may change.

How customers can prepare, stay safe

We will provide updates for this specific weather event on our website at Outages & Safety | Xcel Energy.

If outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most recent updates about their power restoration. Customers should make sure their account information and communications preferences are up to date online at Notification Sign Up | Xcel Energy.

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Garfield County Emergency Operations Center feed