Xcel Energy considers power shutoffs for Wednesday in western Colorado amid wildfire risk

Lauren Penington, The Denver Post on Apr 20, 2026

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DENVER — Xcel Energy is considering preemptively cutting power to parts of western Colorado on Wednesday as fire danger peaks in the state, utility officials announced Sunday evening.

A combination of strong winds, low humidity and “unseasonably warm and dry” conditions will create critical fire danger in Colorado’s Eastern Plains, Front Range foothills and high mountain valleys on Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Xcel Energy is monitoring the fire danger forecast and considering whether to implement another round of Public Safety Power Shutoffs, according to the utility. The preemptive power outages would affect an unspecified number of customers in western Colorado, Xcel officials said.

Strong winds may also damage power lines and cause unplanned outages, according to the utility.

In areas not affected by the preemptive outages, Xcel may still implement “Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings,” utility officials said. The settings make power lines more sensitive and shut off the flow of electricity if an issue, like a tree branch touching the line, is detected.

The settings can also make outages last longer, because utility crews must inspect the lines and the surrounding area before restoring power, according to Xcel Energy.

“We plan to share an update midday on Monday, April 20,” officials wrote on a webpage dedicated to the potential outages.

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