Wed Dec 17 09:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:
Summary:
Xcel Energy is planning a preemptive power shutoff for potentially 50,000 customers across several Colorado counties, including Boulder County, on Wednesday, December 17th, due to extreme fire danger. This follows a similar, disruptive outage in April 2024 that prompted an investigation into Xcel’s handling of the situation. Xcel claims to have improved its communication and coordination protocols since then. Residents and businesses are scrambling to prepare, with some criticizing Xcel’s reliance on power shutoffs rather than investing in burying power lines. The weather forecast includes high winds and low humidity, raising fire risk concerns reminiscent of conditions before the devastating Marshall Fire.
News Article:
Xcel Energy Prepares for Planned Power Outage in Boulder County Amid Fire Danger
Boulder, CO – Xcel Energy is bracing to cut power to approximately 50,000 customers across Boulder, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld counties starting around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17th, due to extreme fire weather conditions. The utility cited high winds and dry conditions as the reason for the preemptive measure, known as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). An updated number will be available Wednesday morning.
The planned outage comes after a similar event in April 2024, which left about 55,000 Boulder County customers in the dark and triggered widespread criticism of Xcel’s communication and preparedness. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission subsequently launched an investigation.
Xcel maintains that it has improved its protocols since the spring outage, including better communication with emergency services and critical facilities. However, the prospect of another shutoff has left residents and businesses scrambling. City officials said Boulder’s water and wastewater treatment facilities are prepared for a potential outage and will operate on backup power if needed.
The National Weather Service forecasts sustained winds of 30-40 mph, with gusts up to 85 mph, creating a significant fire risk.
“We’re all very curious to see how this all unfolds,” said Peter Waters, owner of T/aco.
Some community members are questioning Xcel’s reliance on PSPS events, arguing that the utility should instead invest in burying power lines to mitigate fire risk. Dave Query, owner of Big Red F Restaurant Group, called for Xcel to be held accountable.
CU Boulder has cancelled all in-person and online classes for Dec. 17. BVSD said schools are expected to operate as normal unless families receive an alert or see closure information posted on their school’s website.
Xcel warns that even areas outside the planned outage zone could experience power interruptions due to high winds and that restoration efforts could take “several hours to several days” due to necessary safety inspections.
Xcel said it plans to share another update on the potential power shutoff the morning of Wednesday, Dec. 17.
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