As of the latest reports, Denver and surrounding areas have been experiencing significant power outages due to extreme weather conditions. Here is a summary of the current situation based on the provided sources:
– On April 6, 2024, Xcel Energy reported that wind gusts up to 100 mph were possible in the Foothills, and Denver could see winds up to 75 mph. Due to these conditions, Xcel Energy preemptively shut off power to around 55,000 customers starting at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The shutoff was expected to last until noon on Sunday but could extend beyond that time as crews needed to inspect power lines before restoration. As of 9:40 p.m. on April 6, there were 554 outages affecting 91,358 customers, with a significant number of those outages concentrated near Boulder and thousands impacted in Denver[2][3][5][6].
– Xcel Energy has been urging customers to prepare for outages by putting together an outage kit and taking precautions, especially those who use medical equipment that relies on electrical service. Customers have been advised to report outages and check the status of their electric outage through various means provided by Xcel Energy[2][3][5][6].
– The strong wind storm was expected to slowly diminish in most areas by Sunday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service[3].
– Xcel Energy has been working to reach out to customers to alert them of the outages they can expect and is urging people to prepare accordingly. The company has also been changing automatic reset settings on some of its power lines to prevent attempts to reset during outages caused by falling tree branches or other debris[5][6].
In summary, the Denver area has been dealing with power outages due to severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and high winds. Xcel Energy has taken measures to prevent further damage and ensure public safety by preemptively shutting off power in certain areas and advising residents to prepare for extended outages. Restoration efforts are ongoing, and customers are encouraged to stay informed through Xcel Energy’s communication channels.
Citations:
[1] Thousands of Xcel customers still without power across metro Denver Friday night after winter storm https://www.denverpost.com/2024/03/14/power-outages-denver-colorado-xcel-energy/
[2] Where power outages are affecting thousands of Coloradans Saturday https://kdvr.com/news/local/where-power-outages-are-affecting-thousands-of-coloradans-saturday/
[3] Xcel Energy warns it may shut off power in certain areas due to dangerous winds https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/xcel-energy-warns-it-may-purposely-shut-off-power-in-certain-limited-areas-due-to-dangerous-winds
[4] Average frequency and duration of electric distribution outages … – EIA https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=35652
[5] Xcel Energy to cut power to 55K people along Colorado’s front range amid wildfire risk on Saturday https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/xcel-energy-cut-power-thousands-people-colorado-front-range-wildfire-risk/
[6] Xcel shuts off power in Colorado counties due to high winds – 9News https://www.9news.com/article/weather/severe-weather/xcel-power-shut-off-wind-fire-colorado/73-1f58218d-9e55-4eb4-aae0-dc01f52c5d07
[7] Xcel Energy turns off power for 90,000 customers amid extreme wind threat https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/xcel-energy-to-shut-off-power-to-thousands-in-colorado-amid-dangerous-winds
[8] Xcel Energy to shut off power in parts of west metro area amid high winds, recommend people charge devices – Golden … https://coloradocommunitymedia.com/2024/04/06/xcel-energy-to-shut-off-power-in-parts-of-west-metro-area-amid-high-winds-recommend-people-charge-devices/
[9] Windy Colorado: Xcel Energy cuts power, small fire outside Fort Collins https://www.coloradoan.com/story/news/2024/04/06/how-windy-is-it-in-colorado-xcel-energy-is-cutting-some-power/73221636007/
[10] OFF THE GRID: Denver County, Colorado Power Outage Tracker https://data.newsleader.com/national-power-outage-map-tracker/area/denver-county-co/08031/
[11] OFF THE GRID: United States and Colorado Power Outage Tracker https://data.coloradoan.com/national-power-outage-map-tracker/area/colorado/08/
[12] Electric Outage Map Xcel Energy https://www.outagemap-xcelenergy.com/outagemap/?state=CO
[13] Electric Outage Map Xcel Energy https://www.outagemap-xcelenergy.com/outagemap/
[14] Colorado Power Outages Map https://poweroutage.us/area/state/colorado
[15] Xcel power shutdown frustrates customers https://www.9news.com/article/weather/severe-weather/xcel-power-shutdown-colorado-customers/73-e00ca87c-cd71-47f9-9f72-a8e623b44d12
[16] How We Restore Power | Outages & Safety – Xcel Energy https://my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/restore-power
[17] Outages and Safety | Xcel Energy https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety
[18] Outages and Safety | Xcel Energy https://my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety
[19] OFF THE GRID: Denver County, Colorado Power Outage Tracker https://data.pressconnects.com/national-power-outage-map-tracker/area/denver-county-co/08031/
[20] Colorado power outage map: Nearly 50,000 without power in winter storm https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/03/14/colorado-power-outage-map-winter-storm/72976165007/