Colorado braces for possible power shutoffs as wildfire risks surge Wednesday
Xcel Energy Colorado is warning residents along the Front Range of possible power shutoffs on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. A strong wind event is expected to sweep through Northern Colorado, raising wildfire risks and prompting the utility to consider safety measures. Communities from Denver to Fort Collins, including rural and suburban areas, may be affected by outages lasting hours or even days.
The forecast predicts a mix of high winds, dry conditions, and warm temperatures—factors that heighten wildfire danger. To lower risks, Xcel Energy may activate a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in targeted areas along the Front Range. This could include parts of Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Westminster, Arvada, Thornton, Lakewood, Littleton, Fort Collins, Greeley, and Broomfield, as well as surrounding rural zones.
The company will also enable Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) across the region to further reduce fire hazards. Residents who depend on electricity for medical devices are urged to prepare for possible outages. Xcel Energy advises all customers to review outage readiness tips on its website and check the outage map to see if their address is at risk.
Xcel Energy plans to notify affected customers directly and will share updates on outages and restoration timelines. A further announcement about the likelihood of a PSPS is scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025. More details on the situation can be found at xcelener.gy/4j1xew6.
Power restoration after a PSPS or weather-related outage may take anywhere from several hours to multiple days. Xcel Energy will continue monitoring conditions and providing updates as the event develops. Customers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions ahead of the high-wind event.
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