Xcel Activates Enhanced Safety Settings Ahead of Strong Winds

Utility prepares for elevated wildfire risks across Colorado's Front Range and Eastern Plains.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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As strong winds are predicted to hit Colorado this week, raising wildfire risks, Xcel Energy will activate its Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) across eastern Colorado. This system is designed to instantly stop the flow of electricity if an issue is detected on the power lines, such as a tree branch or other object touching the lines. Xcel says this is a precautionary measure and does not mean they have proactively turned off power, but customers may still experience longer outages as a result.

Why it matters

Strong winds can pose a serious wildfire threat in Colorado, and Xcel's EPSS system is intended to help mitigate that risk by quickly de-energizing power lines if a potential issue is detected. However, this also means that if an outage does occur, power may remain off until crews can visually inspect the lines, potentially leading to longer restoration times for customers.

The details

Xcel says they are not planning any Public Safety Power Shutoffs this week, but the EPSS will be activated across eastern Colorado starting on Monday and continuing through Tuesday. The utility is also advising customers to prepare for potential outages by reviewing their contact information, signing up for medical support programs if needed, and assembling emergency kits. CORE Electric, another regional utility, is also activating its own version of enhanced safety settings called Alternate Relay Settings in certain districts.

  • The EPSS will be activated from Monday, February 17 through Tuesday, February 18.
  • Peak wind conditions are expected on Tuesday afternoon, with gusts up to 60 mph and humidity as low as 10%.

The players

Xcel Energy

A major electric and natural gas utility serving customers across Colorado, including the Front Range and Eastern Plains regions.

CORE Electric

A regional electric cooperative that is also activating enhanced safety settings in certain districts to mitigate wildfire risks from the predicted strong winds.

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What they’re saying

“These settings do not mean the company has proactively turned off a customer's power. If there is an outage while these settings are activated, it is the result of an issue on the power line.”

— Xcel Energy (9news.com)

“Alternate relay settings do not preemptively turn off any part of our system, but since these settings do not allow the equipment to self-restore power, there may be sustained outages instead of blinks during this time.”

— CORE Electric, Spokesperson (9news.com)

What’s next

Xcel and CORE Electric will continue monitoring weather conditions and providing updates on their websites and social media channels. Customers are advised to prepare for potential outages by reviewing their contact information and assembling emergency kits.

The takeaway

Xcel's activation of Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings highlights the utility's proactive approach to mitigating wildfire risks from strong winds, but also underscores the potential for longer power outages if issues are detected on the lines. This serves as a reminder for Colorado residents to be prepared for severe weather and potential disruptions to their electricity service.