Xcel Energy Initiates Power Shutoffs in Colorado to Prevent Wildfires

The utility's preventive action affects 55,000 customers amid forecasts of high winds reaching up to 100 mph.

Xcel Energy to shut off power to 55,000 customers in Colorado to mitigate wildfire risk amid high winds.
The power shutoff will affect Boulder County and parts of Broomfield, Douglas, Gilpin, Jefferson, and Larimer counties, starting at 3 p.m. Saturday.
Wind gusts could reach up to 100 mph, with the National Weather Service issuing red flag warnings through Sunday.
Xcel's decision follows past incidents where its power lines were found to have sparked significant wildfires.
Customers with medical equipment and those dependent on oxygen are advised to prepare for extended outages.