{"id":6858,"date":"2025-10-20T08:43:59","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T08:43:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/?p=6858"},"modified":"2025-10-20T08:43:59","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T08:43:59","slug":"xcel-considering-safety-power-outages-in-denver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jubi24.com\/?p=6858","title":{"rendered":"Xcel considering safety power outages in Denver"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Xcel customers in the Denver area could lose power Monday during \u201ccritical fire weather,\u201d according to the company.<\/p>\n

As of Sunday evening, Xcel officials announced the company would not implement proactive power shutoffs for public safety in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, and Denver counties, according to a news release from the utility. The safety shutoffs were discussed earlier in the day, but were called off after updated forecasting indicated decreased wind speeds.<\/p>\n

\u201cTemporarily shutting off power \u2026 is not a step taken lightly and is only used when other methods are not enough to help prevent wildfires,\u201d Xcel officials stated.<\/p>\n

However, residents in those counties may lose power as strong winds buffet power lines starting Monday morning, according to Xcel.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Relative humidities as low as 15% and strong winds up to 50 mph across the foothills, metro area and Eastern Plains will create conditions \u201cfavorable for rapid fire spread,\u201d forecasters stated in the warning.<\/p>\n

The \u201cextreme weather conditions\u201d may lead to unplanned power outages as strong winds impact powerlines, Xcel officials said.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnhanced 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,\u201d officials stated. \u201cPower will remain off until our crews can make sure it\u2019s safe to turn back on.\u201d<\/p>\n

The settings increase public safety but can also increase the length of power outages since crews have to visually inspect the lines before restoring power, according to the utility. Crews will be standing by on Monday to patrol service areas and restore power as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n