San Luis Valley Faces Power Shutoffs As Drought And Winds Intensify Fire Threat

By Scott Weiser | The Denver Gazette

Xcel Energy will implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff for some customers in parts of western Colorado and the San Luis Valley on Wednesday because of extreme wildfire risk driven by strong winds, low humidity, hot weather and very dry conditions, the company said.

The shutoff will start around noon Wednesday in portions of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla and Rio Grande counties, Xcel said in a Tuesday afternoon news release. Conditions are expected to improve around 7 p.m. Wednesday, with restoration beginning as soon as lines can be safely inspected.

About 7,100 customers are expected to be impacted by the shutoff, Xcel said.

Much of the region is in extreme to exceptional drought following a record warm and dry winter, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the San Luis Valley for Wednesday.

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