Xcel Energy has confirmed plans to temporarily cut electricity to tens of thousands of customers across Colorado’s Front Range on Wednesday as a precaution against extreme wildfire danger driven by powerful winds and exceptionally dry conditions.
The utility said the preventive measure, known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff, is expected to affect parts of Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld, and Clear Creek counties. Officials indicated that outages could begin as early as mid-morning on December 17, ahead of the strongest wind activity forecast for the day.
Company representatives explained that the decision follows weather models predicting damaging wind gusts combined with unusually dry vegetation-conditions that significantly raise the risk of fast-moving wildfires sparked by electrical equipment. While disruptive, the action is intended to reduce the chance of power lines igniting fires during peak wind periods.
“This is an extraordinary step reserved for rare, high-risk scenarios,” an Xcel spokesperson said, noting that similar precautions were used once before in Colorado. Lessons from that earlier event led the company to issue alerts earlier this time, giving residents more opportunity to prepare.
Forecasters with the National Weather Service have warned that much of the region lacks snow cover and seasonal moisture, leaving grasses and shrubs highly flammable. Recent unseasonably warm temperatures have further worsened conditions, with several Front Range cities experiencing extended streaks of above-average highs.
Wind gusts along the foothills are expected to be especially intense, with some areas potentially seeing speeds strong enough to damage trees and infrastructure. Fire weather warnings have been issued along large portions of the I-25 corridor, and local authorities have expanded fire restrictions in response.
Xcel Energy cautioned that the length of any outage will depend on how long hazardous conditions persist and whether inspections or repairs are needed once winds die down. Power restoration will only begin after crews determine it is safe to access affected lines, meaning some customers could be without electricity into Thursday.
Relief may come later in the week as a cooler weather system moves in, bringing increased humidity and possible snowfall at higher elevations. While that shift should lower fire risk, officials emphasize that the most dangerous period remains Wednesday.
Residents in potentially impacted areas are encouraged to prepare by charging essential devices, securing backup lighting, safeguarding food supplies, and unplugging sensitive electronics. Emergency managers also advise staying informed through local alerts and avoiding activities that could spark fires during the high-risk window.
Xcel said it will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve and urged customers to prioritize safety until the threat subsides.
