Tens of Thousands Still Without Power as Xcel Eyes Another Front Range Shutdown

By Jesse Sarles | CBS Colorado

For just the second time in Colorado state history, Xcel Energy shut off power to thousands of people pre-emptively due to dangerous wind and fire conditions on Wednesday. At the height of the windstorm, 150,000 customers were without power. 

More than 55,000 customers were still without power at midday on Thursday. There are delays in the power restoration process because Xcel crews are working with drones and helicopters to make sure there are no downed power lines in any areas where they are set to bring the lights back on.

Xcel officials said they are also evaluating the need for a second public safety power shutoff this week — starting at 5 a.m. Friday, when wind speeds are expected to reach hurricane or near-hurricane levels again in the Denver metro area and other parts of the Front Range.

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