Xcel Energy has announced a public safety power shutoff set to begin at 8 a.m. on January 16, affecting approximately 9,000 customers in Larimer and Weld counties, including Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington, and Windsor. The decision to cut power comes in response to anticipated high winds and an elevated wildfire risk in the region.
The shutoff is expected to last throughout the day, with favorable wind conditions not projected until around 4 p.m. Power restoration may take “several hours to several days,” as power lines must be thoroughly inspected for damage before electricity can be re-established. Xcel plans to deploy hundreds of crew members to expedite inspections and repairs, with extended shifts scheduled to ensure that power is restored safely and swiftly.
A detailed map of the affected areas shows that west and northwest Fort Collins, Bellvue, north to Ted’s Place, and areas east of Interstate 25 extending from Wellington to Windsor will experience the shutoff. Additionally, west Loveland along U.S. Highway 34 is included in these precautionary measures. Xcel has warned that customers who are not part of the shutdown may still experience outages as a result of the high winds.
Previously, Xcel implemented similar safety measures during mid-December, impacting nearly 100,000 customers amid severe wind conditions.
In contrast, Fort Collins Utilities will not conduct any power shutoffs, as all of their power lines are buried, significantly reducing the risk of fire. Their electricity is sourced from Platte River Power Authority (PRPA), which has also indicated no planned interruptions due to its protective systems and pre-emptive measures.
The National Weather Service has issued red flag warnings for January 15 and 16, covering a broad area from the foothills west of Fort Collins to the Eastern Plains, highlighting the potential for high wind gusts. These winds are expected to peak at 30 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching 60 to 75 mph in some northern areas of Larimer and Weld counties. Temperatures will remain in the 40s on January 16 and 17, before rising closer to 60 degrees by January 18.
As the region prepares to face challenging weather conditions, residents are encouraged to stay informed about the evolving situation and take necessary precautions. Community resilience during these events is vital, and utility providers are committed to ensuring safety while working to restore power as quickly as possible.