Xcel Energy Prepares Shutoffs In Drought Stricken Regions In Western And Southern Colorado

By Christa Swanson | CBS Colorado

Xcel Energy announced that customers in parts of western Colorado and the San Luis Valley should prepare for possible power shutoffs on Wednesday.

Strong winds, combined with dry conditions and low humidity, will result in high wildfire risk.

“To reduce the risk of wildfire and support public safety, we are planning for a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) beginning on Wednesday, April 22, around 9 a.m. MT for some customers in Garfield, Mesa and Pitkin counties, and around 11 a.m. MT for some customers in Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Rio Grande and Saguache counties,” the company said.

Many of these areas are already experiencing extreme or exceptional drought, and the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the San Luis Valley on Wednesday.

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