As of December 17, 2025, at 11:45 a.m., Xcel Energy has initiated a significant public safety power shutoff affecting approximately 50,000 customers in Colorado's Front Range. This proactive measure was implemented to mitigate the heightened risk of wildfires associated with high winds and extremely dry conditions in the region. The shutoff commenced at 10 a.m. and impacts residents in Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld counties. Notably, Denver County is not anticipated to face disruptions.
Xcel officials have indicated that they expect the adverse weather conditions to improve around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, and they are committed to restoring power as swiftly as possible. The Front Range is currently under a red flag warning, with wind gusts forecasted to reach up to 85 mph. In light of the potential for downed power lines, residents are urged to exercise caution and report any damage observed to power lines.
The current weather situation mirrors the conditions that triggered the devastating Marshall Fire in 2021, prompting heightened vigilance and preparedness among local authorities. In anticipation of this power shutoff, many schools across Boulder, Clear Creek, Weld, and Jefferson county districts have opted to close for the day.
In a morning briefing, Xcel announced that hundreds of power crew members are strategically positioned along the Front Range, ready to restore services once conditions allow. To ensure the well-being of those affected, Xcel is collaborating with the Red Cross and Jefferson County to establish comfort centers. These centers will provide essential services, including phone charging, access to power, water, and snacks. They will operate from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Evergreen Library on County Highway 73 in Evergreen and the Belmar Library on Allison Parkway in Lakewood.
Looking ahead, Xcel has warned that additional power outages may occur on Friday, beginning as early as 6 a.m., due to ongoing weather challenges and fire risks. A press release highlighted the possibility that the impending storm could coincide with areas already affected by Wednesday's severe weather, leading to extended power outages lasting more than three days in some locations.
While Denver is not slated for power shutoffs, certain RTD services will be disrupted. Specifically, the W Line service between Federal Center Station and JeffCo Gov’t Center/Golden Station will be suspended, with a bus shuttle provided for affected commuters. Additionally, ticket vending machines and fare validators at the JeffCo Government Center/Golden Station will be out of service due to the elevated risk posed by extreme wind conditions.
Black Hills Energy, a smaller utility provider operating in Southern Colorado, is on high alert for potential shutdowns. While they are not planning any public safety shutdowns at this time, they are closely monitoring the weather and will provide updates on their website. Similarly, Colorado Springs Utilities and the San Isabel Electric Association are keeping a vigilant eye on the evolving conditions.
The current power outages come amidst ongoing legal challenges faced by Xcel Energy, stemming from its involvement in previous catastrophic wildfires, including the 2021 Marshall Fire and the 2024 Smokehouse Creek fire in Texas, which tragically resulted in three fatalities. In September 2025, the company reached a $640 million settlement related to the Marshall Fire but maintains that it did not act negligently. However, they acknowledged that their equipment may have contributed to the Smokehouse Creek fire, which is recognized as the largest wildfire in Texas history.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has recently filed a lawsuit against Xcel, emphasizing the company’s alleged negligence that led to the deadly fire. In response to inquiries regarding the relationship between the current power shutoffs and these lawsuits, Xcel Colorado's president, Robert Kenney, firmly stated, “Let me just unequivocally say no,” asserting that today’s actions are unrelated to the legal proceedings.
In light of the ongoing power outages, residents are encouraged to take proactive measures. Ensure that portable chargers are fully charged and that all electronic devices are powered up ahead of any outages. Having a battery-powered radio on hand is advisable to receive alerts and safety information. It is important to charge any medical devices that may be needed in advance and to prepare backup light sources and first aid kits.
Xcel Energy also recommends setting your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings beforehand, which can help maintain food safety for up to four hours in the fridge and two days in the freezer if the power goes out. In the event of an outage, it's prudent to unplug or turn off appliances that could surge when power is restored. Additionally, practice manually opening your garage door to ensure you can exit your home if necessary.
For further updates, residents are advised to stay informed through local news sources and Xcel Energy's official communications. This article will continue to be updated as new information becomes available.
Editor’s note: Ishan Thakore contributed to this reporting.