Bold warning: a surge of dry weather and high winds is pushing Front Range communities toward a potentially widespread power shutoff. But here’s where it gets controversial: utilities say these measures are about preventing catastrophic wildfires, not punishing customers.
For weeks, the Front Range has baked under unseasonably warm, dry conditions that have left fuels — trees, brush, and exposed ground — dangerously parched. Forecasters warn of wind gusts up to 75 mph along the foothills on Wednesday, amplifying wildfire risk just as the region faces peak dryness.
Denver etched a new heat milestone on Monday, tying a century-old record at 68 degrees for December 15 and marking a seventh straight day with temperatures at or above 60 degrees. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Boulder explain that the combination of warmth and lack of greenup means there is little moisture to slow a fire once it starts. Russel Danielson notes, “All the fuels are just so dry.”
Given these conditions, Front Range counties have expanded fire bans and other precautions. Xcel Energy, Colorado’s largest utility, is preparing for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), an intentional de-energizing of power lines in high-risk areas.
Andrew Holder, Xcel’s Director of Community Relations, stated that a PSPS is “extreme wildfire risk environment” and that the company is likely to implement one that would take effect on December 17 at noon. He emphasized ongoing monitoring and promised updates for customers and communities as conditions evolve.
A PSPS is a targeted approach: power is cut in specific zones where risk is greatest. Xcel says this is not a decision taken lightly. The utility first deployed a PSPS in April 2024 and has since learned crucial lessons, especially around communication with customers.
Communication has become the cornerstone of their approach. Holder cites that customers want timely notices as weather evolves, and Xcel has committed to sharing updates as soon as risk becomes evident.
On Monday, Xcel issued two statements saying it is likely to cut power on Wednesday, though it remained unclear which neighborhoods would be affected or how long outages would last.
Forecasts acknowledge uncertainty. As of now, the plan for December 17 at noon anticipates several hours of wind-driven risk. Restoration would only begin once the wind event subsides, and the duration could depend on whether lines sustain damage. If lines are damaged, outages could extend longer.
Crews will respond when it is safe, which could mean a matter of hours or up to a couple of days.
The National Weather Service highlights a broad swath of the I-25 corridor from the Wyoming border to Colorado Springs facing critical fire weather on Wednesday. Forecasters say the plains have melted all snow, leaving landscapes susceptible to ignition, even from minimal heat or ember activity.
A cold front is expected to move through Thursday, bringing relief in the form of cooler air and some snow at higher elevations, which should help temper fire danger. The Western Slope and Front Range mountains may see a few inches of snow, typically two to five inches in many locations, with another smaller wave Saturday. While not a major storm, any new snow helps.
The incoming front should lower fire risk temporarily by increasing humidity and cooling temperatures, but officials urge continued vigilance through Wednesday as winds remain a key factor.
How to prepare for a power outage
- Gather portable chargers and ensure all devices are charged before weather events escalate.
- If you rely on medical equipment, charge those devices in advance and have backup light sources and a basic first-aid kit ready.
- Set refrigerators and freezers to coldest settings ahead of time to maximize food safety: expect roughly four extra hours of cold storage in the fridge and up to two days in the freezer if power is lost.
- If power restoration is imminent, unplug or turn off devices that could surge when power returns.
- Practice opening your garage manually so you can exit if power is out and remote controls fail.
In short, residents should stay informed, prepare for possible outages, and be ready to act quickly if authorities urge evacuation or extensive power shutoffs.
What’s your take on PSPS policies? Do you think utilities should prioritize wildfire prevention even at the cost of temporary outages for customers, or should there be stricter safeguards and compensation for those affected? Share your thoughts in the comments.
