Xcel Shutoffs Leave Thousands Without Power in Colorado

Utility company cites high wildfire risk conditions as reason for planned power outages.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:54am

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Thousands of Xcel Energy customers in Colorado lost electricity on Saturday after the utility company shut off power as a precaution during high wildfire risk conditions. The company said the shutoffs began at 2 p.m. in areas where weather and environmental factors met the criteria for a public safety power shutoff (PSPS) event. Some residents have expressed frustration with the increasing frequency of these planned outages.

Why it matters

Xcel's use of PSPS events highlights the growing challenge utilities face in balancing public safety with reliable electricity service, especially in regions prone to wildfires. While these shutoffs are intended to prevent power lines from sparking fires during extreme weather, they can create hardship for affected customers who rely on electricity for essential needs.

The details

Xcel said it has hundreds of crew members ready to inspect power lines once winds subside, but the company has not determined exactly when electricity will be restored for all affected customers. Some outages occurring the same day were unrelated to the planned shutoffs. Homeowner Chris Goodman said her neighborhood has experienced multiple planned shutoffs in recent months and believes Xcel should do more to support customers who lose power, such as by helping them obtain solar and battery backup systems.

  • The shutoffs began at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Xcel Energy

A major electric and natural gas utility company serving customers across eight Western and Midwestern states, including Colorado.

Chris Goodman

A homeowner in a neighborhood northeast of Boulder, Colorado who has experienced multiple planned power outages by Xcel Energy in recent months.

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What they’re saying

“I'm disgruntled because Xcel Energy is using their own algorithm for risk management. I feel like Xcel Energy is prioritizing their risk management over services that they're supposed to be providing, which are essential services. They're providing a similar service as water to homes and sewer.”

— Chris Goodman, Homeowner (9news.com)

What’s next

Xcel said it will only restore power after crews can safely patrol the system and visually check lines, though the company has not determined exactly when electricity will return for all affected customers.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tension utilities face in preventing wildfires while also maintaining reliable electricity service for customers. As extreme weather events become more common, companies like Xcel will need to find ways to better support affected communities during planned outages, such as by helping them access backup power solutions.