150,000 CO Residents Saw Power Outages Due To Storm, Xcel

A spring storm saw wind, snow and rain knock out power to 150,000 Colorado residents. However, 55,000 of those folks were without energy due to Xcel shutting off power to numerous customers as a precaution to prevent downed powerlines causing fires.  

Xcel shut off power to 55,000 Colorado customers across six counties Saturday for a controlled outage planned to last more than 24 hours, citing the dangerous wind and the increased risk of fire over the weekend, according to Xcel.

As the storm peaked late Saturday and into Sunday, a total of 150,000 people were without power. By Monday morning there were still over 50,000 homes without power as the cleanup began. (https://poweroutage.us/).

Trees were toppled over, closing roads and causing delays if not detours. The highest recorded wind speed was reported in Boulder at 97 MPH at the NCAR Mesa Lab. The winter months typically produce the most windstorms with gusts over 75 MPH, but this weekend’s storm saw 40 gusts surpassing that mark.

On Monday morning, crews were currently working to restore power to the 50,000+ homes and businesses that are still without power. Of course, a standby generator would keep your business or home powered in the event of a weather-related outage or a power company deciding to cut your power as a precaution. See the stats on the rising number of weather related outages and power companies cutting power as well as why it's more important that ever to be prepared.  

We can help with industrial or commercial power for your operation. Click here to see standby options. An expert can help you get the right unit for your power needs. If you want peace of mind for your home as well, see our friends at Generator Mart because It's no fun feeling powerless!

Story Summary

What caused the widespread power outages?
A severe wind storm hit Colorado's Front Range and Eastern Plains, causing extensive damage to the electric system. Additionally, Xcel Energy proactively shut off power to some areas as a safety measure.

How many people were affected by the outage?
More than 155,000 Xcel Energy customers lost power due to a combination of storm damage and proactive shutoffs.

When will power be fully restored?
Xcel Energy warned that the restoration process could be lengthy, potentially extending to April 8 or longer. 
The company needs to visually inspect over 600 miles of power lines before restoring service.

Why did Xcel Energy proactively shut off power?
Xcel implemented public safety shutoffs to prevent potential wildfires caused by damaged power lines in high-wind conditions.

How can customers report outages or get updates?
Customers can report outages and check status updates through several methods:

• Online at Xcel Energy's website
• Texting "OUT" to 98936
• Using the Xcel Energy mobile app
• Calling (800) 895-1999

• Follow Xcel Energy's outage checklist for safety tips
• Keep refrigerators closed to maintain food freshness
• Use flashlights instead of candles for safety
• Unplug sensitive electronics to protect from power surges