Xcel Energy Faces Multiple Power Outages Across Colorado Amid Infrastructure and Safety Concerns

In a series of recent developments, Xcel Energy, Colorado’s largest energy provider, is grappling with widespread power outages affecting thousands of customers across the state. As of January 8, 2025, nearly 28,000 customers in the northern Denver metro area were left without power due to equipment failures at the substation level, primarily impacting Broomfield, Superior, and Westminster areas.

The utility company’s challenges began earlier in the year when they faced criticism for their handling of a massive pre-planned power outage that affected over 55,000 customers along the Front Range. The Boulder County Office of Disaster Management reported receiving inadequate notice before the implementation of these preventive measures. The situation was particularly concerning as it marked the first time the utility had cut power preemptively due to high winds, a decision that came in the wake of the devastating Marshall fire incident.

Adding to the company’s troubles, an investigation revealed that workers at the Prairie Island nuclear power plant had accidentally cut through power cables while drilling underground in October, leading to an extended outage. The incident exposed procedural weaknesses and poor communication between departments, as acknowledged by Xcel in their filing with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

The company is currently under investigation by Colorado regulators following numerous complaints about power outages statewide. During a recent public meeting, customers described the outages as “completely unbearable” and “dangerous.” The situation is complicated by Xcel’s simultaneous pursuit of its $1.7 billion Power Pathway project, a 650-mile transmission line initiative designed to harness wind and solar energy from the Eastern Plains.

In Littleton, over 1,500 customers experienced a natural gas outage due to frozen equipment, forcing the company to provide space heaters to affected residents. The company’s response to these challenges has included deploying 500 crew members daily for power restoration efforts and implementing new safety protocols, including Enhanced Power Line Safety Settings (EPSS).

Xcel Energy has defended its actions, particularly regarding preventive shutoffs, stating they are working on becoming “more confident and comfortable with the decisions to turn power off” before dangerous weather conditions arise. The company plans to implement tools that will help them reach the industry standard of alerting customers 72 hours in advance of preventative shutdowns.

Looking forward, Xcel Energy is focusing on improving its infrastructure and response systems. The company has announced plans to enhance its wildfire mitigation efforts, including training staff meteorologists to better recognize wildfire condition risks and building up a workforce for community outreach. These measures come as the company faces legal challenges, with over 150 insurance companies and fire survivors pursuing litigation related to the Marshall fire incident