Xcel Energy, a major electric utility company in Colorado, implemented a second round of public safety power shutoffs cPSPSc early Friday to minimize the wildfire risk caused by downed powerlines. This move came on the heels of significant power outages affecting tens of thousands of customers due to both planned and unplanned events stemming from the high winds experienced on Wednesday.
As of 7:30 a.m. Friday, Xcel's outage map revealed that over 91,000 customers were without power. While most outages were categorized as unplanned, a considerable number were listed as part of the planned public safety power shutoff. The utility announced on Thursday that the shutoff would commence on Friday, starting as early as 5 a.m. in some areas to the west of Denver. Approximately 69,000 customers in counties such as Boulder, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, and Weld were anticipated to be affected.
Xcel Energy cautioned that due to the Friday event, restoration might take longer than initially expected for some customers, possibly extending beyond three days without power. The utility assured customers that restoration efforts would be conducted as promptly and safely as possible.
Efforts to restore power from Wednesday's outages, triggered by powerful winds gusting over 100 mph in certain regions, were still ongoing. Robert Kenney, president of Xcel Energy Colorado, reported that more than 160,000 customers were impacted at the peak of Wednesday's outages. The utility proactively shut off power to around 50,000 customers in various counties, while others lost power due to severe winds.
Kenney emphasized the importance of thorough inspections before re-energizing power lines, highlighting the need to visually examine all lines for potential damage caused by winds. He clarified that restoration activities could span multiple days to ensure the safety and reliability of the power infrastructure.
Addressing concerns about potential confusion, Kenney reiterated that power restoration after planned outages would not be expedited over unplanned outages, emphasizing the meticulous inspection processes required for safe re-energization. The utility mobilized over 375 crews comprising more than 1,000 workers utilizing helicopters, drones, and foot patrols to assess and rectify damages.
In light of the extended outage period and the looming threat of high winds persisting, Kenney advised customers to prepare for potential multi-day power disruptions. Various other electric utilities in Colorado also reported unforeseen power outages on Wednesday, underscoring the widespread impact of adverse weather conditions on the state's power grid.
With nearly 100,000 Coloradans facing power outages on Friday morning and additional shutoffs affecting thousands more, utilities were working diligently to address the challenges posed by the extreme weather conditions. Resource centers were set up to assist affected individuals by offering essential services like phone charging and emergency supplies.
The National Weather Service's warning of exceptionally high winds and critical fire weather conditions underscored the severity of the situation, necessitating precautionary measures by utility companies to safeguard communities from potential wildfire hazards. Xcel Energy's continued coordination with emergency responders and relief organizations underscored their commitment to ensuring the well-being of customers amidst the ongoing power disruptions.
As utility crews continued to assess damages, repair power lines, and restore services, the collective response to the power outages highlighted the resilience and collaborative spirit of the community in facing challenges brought about by nature's forces. The ongoing efforts to mitigate risks and enhance preparedness underscored the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring the resilience of power systems in the face of adverse weather events.
