Colorado Braces for Increased Wildfire-Related Power Shutoffs: A New Reality
More than 30,000 homes and businesses across Colorado experienced power outages on Saturday, March 15, 2026, as high winds swept through the state. While some outages were due to storm damage, a significant portion – over 14,400 Xcel Energy customers in Boulder County and 3,403 in Jefferson County – were the result of preemptive public safety power shutoffs (PSPS).
The Rise of Proactive Power Shutoffs
Xcel Energy initiated these shutoffs to mitigate the risk of wildfires sparked by downed power lines during high wind events. This strategy, while disruptive, is becoming increasingly common as Colorado faces escalating wildfire threats. The utility warned that restoration of power following a PSPS event or significant weather event could accept “several hours to several days” due to the necessary safety inspections and repairs.
This event highlights a growing trend: energy providers are prioritizing preventative measures over reactive responses to wildfire risks. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved Xcel Energy’s 2025-2027 Wildfire Mitigation Plan in June 2025, signaling a commitment to proactive safety measures. This plan includes undergrounding power lines, investing in battery storage, and enhancing vegetation management.
Beyond Xcel: A Statewide Approach
Xcel Energy isn’t alone in adopting these strategies. Core Electric Cooperative activated “alternate relay settings” to increase the sensitivity of its power lines, causing them to trip instantly if a fault is detected. While this can lead to longer outages – nearly 2,000 Core customers were without power as of Saturday afternoon – it’s another example of utilities prioritizing safety. These settings require crews to patrol areas and manually restore power after identifying and fixing the issue.
The Impact of Climate Change and Infrastructure
The increasing frequency of these events is directly linked to climate change, which is contributing to drier conditions and more intense windstorms across Colorado. Historically low snowpack and unseasonably warm weather are creating a volatile environment for wildfires. The need to upgrade aging infrastructure is also a key factor. Xcel Energy’s mitigation plan includes rebuilding major transmission lines and undergrounding approximately 50 miles of power lines.
Did you know? The 2025-2027 Wildfire Mitigation Plan also focuses on community outreach and engagement, including providing access to wildfire detection cameras for public safety partners.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
Experts predict that PSPS events will become more frequent and widespread in Colorado, particularly in areas identified as high wildfire risk. Utilities are working to improve communication and coordination with communities to minimize disruption and ensure public safety. This includes establishing resource centers, like the one at the North Boulder Recreation Center, to provide essential services during outages.
Pro Tip: Sign up for emergency alerts in your county (e.g., bocoalert.org in Boulder County) to receive timely evacuation warnings and outage information.
FAQ: Public Safety Power Shutoffs in Colorado
- What is a PSPS event? A Public Safety Power Shutoff is a proactive measure taken by utilities to temporarily shut off power in areas with high wildfire risk during periods of extreme weather conditions.
- Why do utilities do this? To prevent downed power lines from sparking wildfires.
- How long do PSPS events last? Restoration can take several hours to several days, depending on the extent of the damage and the need for safety inspections.
- How can I prepare for a PSPS event? Have a backup power source, emergency supplies, and a communication plan.
For up-to-date information on outages and wildfire mitigation efforts, visit Xcel Energy’s Wildfire Mitigation page and your local county’s emergency management website.
What are your experiences with power shutoffs in Colorado? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
