Colorado Regulators, Lawmakers Grill Xcel Energy Over Prolonged Power Shutoffs
DENVER, February 1, 2026 – Xcel Energy is under fire from state regulators, local officials, and thousands of customers following a series of prolonged, preemptive power shutoffs over the past two months. The utility’s use of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to mitigate wildfire risk has sparked widespread frustration over communication failures, economic damage, and questions about grid reliability.
Backlash Over December and January Outages
In late December 2025, extreme winds and dry conditions prompted Xcel Energy to cut power to a vast swath of Colorado’s Front Range. The utility initially warned the City of Denver that up to 500,000 customers could be impacted, but final numbers were communicated less than 24 hours before the shut-off began. At its peak, the December event affected more than 100,000 customers—double the size of a similar PSPS conducted in April 2024.
Another shutoff in mid-January 2026 impacted approximately 9,000 customers in northern Colorado during high winds. These events have left communities in the dark for days, with residents and businesses criticizing Xcel’s restoration process. “Once the weather clears, we cannot immediately turn power back on,” Xcel Energy President Robert Kenney explained to lawmakers, noting that crews must visually inspect power lines and make repairs before restoring service.
Key Facts from Recent Hearings
| Event | Impact & Response |
|---|---|
| December 2025 PSPS | Over 100,000 customers lost power for multiple days during extreme wind events. Boulder City Council approved a critical letter demanding better communication and infrastructure upgrades. |
| January 2026 PSPS | ~9,000 customers in northern Colorado affected. Part of Xcel’s 2025-2027 wildfire mitigation plan, which calls for $1.9 billion in grid hardening. |
| Regulatory Scrutiny | Colorado Public Utilities Commission held hearings where customers and businesses voiced anger over “five days of loss of business with no communication.” |
| Current Outage Status | As of February 1, Xcel’s outage map shows scattered issues, with a total of 44 outages affecting 1,034 customers in Colorado. Crews continue restoration work. |
Mounting Pressure for Accountability and Change
The fallout from the shutoffs has been swift and severe. During a recent virtual town hall and PUC feedback session, Coloradans voiced intense frustrations. Boulder businesses are seeking compensation for losses incurred during the December outage, with city officials backing their claims. State lawmakers have bombarded Xcel executives with questions, focusing on the balance between wildfire prevention and customer reliability.
Critics argue the PSPS events expose deeper problems with Colorado’s grid infrastructure and the utility’s preparedness. “Xcel Shutoffs Expose Colorado’s Reliability Problem,” read one recent analysis, highlighting the tension between safety protocols and the basic expectation of continuous electrical service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Xcel Energy cut power to so many customers?
Xcel implemented Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) as a preemptive measure during periods of extremely high winds and dry conditions to prevent its power lines from sparking wildfires. The utility stated that the December 2025 and January 2026 events were driven by record-high temperatures, drought, and forecasts for dangerous winds.
What is being done to prevent future prolonged outages?
Xcel’s wildfire mitigation plan includes a $1.9 billion investment in grid resilience. Meanwhile, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission is reviewing the PSPS protocols, and local governments like Boulder are pushing for improved communication, faster restoration times, and infrastructure upgrades to minimize the need for widespread shutoffs.
How can customers check current outage status?
Customers can report an outage or check restoration status via the Xcel Energy mobile app or the official Xcel Energy outage map online. The map provides real-time updates on affected areas and estimated restoration times.