At 10 a.m. on December 17, 2025, the Colorado Front Range was plunged into darkness. Xcel Energy shut off power to 52,000 customers across multiple counties to prevent wildfires in the face of extreme winds reaching 85 mph. The winds howled as homes, schools, and businesses braced for the unexpected blackout—just as the region was gripped by rare, record-breaking December fire weather. With no time to prepare, thousands of residents faced a daunting day without electricity.
What happens when an entire region’s power is shut off to save it from disaster? Keep reading to find out.
The Power Shutoff: A Preventive Measure
Xcel Energy’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is designed to reduce wildfire risk. Forecasters warned of 75-85 mph winds and critically dry fuels.
After weeks of record warmth and snowless weather, Xcel implemented the shutoff to prevent wildfires sparked by downed power lines. This proactive measure represents the utility’s last resort to protect communities from the dangers of extreme weather.
Households in the Dark: What’s at Stake
When the power was shut off, approximately 52,000 homes and businesses in Boulder, Jefferson, Larimer, Weld, and Clear Creek counties lost electricity.
As families scrambled to manage the outage, concerns arose over backup heating, food spoilage, and medical devices relying on electricity. Restoration depended on when the high winds subsided, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding power recovery.
Schools, Offices, and Services Disrupted
Schools across the Front Range, including CU Boulder and Jeffco Public Schools, closed or sent students home early due to the power outage and extreme winds.
Public offices and service providers were also affected, with officials warning that outages might last days. The event disrupted daily life and strained essential services in the urban-rural corridor of Colorado.
Resilience Technology in Focus
The power shutoff increased the spotlight on backup power systems, such as generators and batteries. These systems, alongside Xcel’s Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings, became essential as part of a broader resilience strategy.
The utility’s safety settings trip power lines faster in high-risk conditions, making it vital for homeowners, businesses, and hospitals to invest in technologies that ensure continuity during outages.
A Look at California’s Influence
Colorado’s decision to shut off power mirrors California’s wildfire-prevention measures. After catastrophic fires, California utilities began using PSPS to reduce wildfire risk.
Colorado, facing similar fire threats, is now adopting this practice, raising concerns about how utility companies will balance electrification with wildfire mitigation as climate change expands high-risk seasons to unexpected months.
The Marshall Fire: A Lingering Memory
The 2021 Marshall Fire, which destroyed approximately 1,000 homes, remains a defining moment for Xcel Energy.
The utility was partially blamed for the fire after one of its lines sparked the blaze. Following a $640 million settlement in 2025, Xcel is under intense pressure to avoid repeat incidents, further justifying the use of PSPS during high-wind events.
New Regulations Put to the Test
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved Xcel’s wildfire-mitigation plan in 2025, which included PSPS protocols.
However, after public backlash from the April 2024 shutoff, the PUC demanded improvements in communication and planning. This event tests whether those new protocols can meet public safety needs while addressing customer concerns over notification and transparency.
The Economic Impact of Shutdowns
While preventing wildfires offers clear benefits, the economic costs of power shutoffs are significant. Thousands of households face financial losses due to spoiled food, work disruptions, and business interruptions.
However, officials argue that preventing a disaster like the Marshall Fire saves the state billions in recovery costs, making PSPS a necessary investment in long-term safety.
Vulnerabilities of Health and Safety Systems
The outage posed significant risks for individuals dependent on electricity for medical devices, such as oxygen tanks and refrigerated medications.
As disaster offices advised residents to prepare, it became evident that PSPS events require meticulous planning, especially for those who rely on electricity for their daily needs. This highlights the growing need for contingency plans across health systems.
Climate Change and Wildfire Seasons
Denver’s record-high 68°F on December 15, 2025, coupled with seven consecutive days of temperatures above 60°F, underscores the shift in Colorado’s climate. Historically, winter in the Rockies was a time of safety from wildfires.
However, as temperatures rise and droughts lengthen, fire danger persists well into the colder months, challenging the traditional notion of seasonal fire risks.
Residents Adapt to a New Reality
As PSPS events become more common, residents are learning to adapt. Local governments have urged residents to prepare emergency kits, sign up for alerts, and keep a close watch on outage maps.
Communities along the I-25 corridor are beginning to treat high-wind Red Flag days as seriously as snowstorms, adjusting their daily routines and travel plans to accommodate potential shutdowns.
Winners and Losers in the PSPS Era
The rise of PSPS events has created new opportunities for backup power providers, battery manufacturers, and resilience experts.
However, small businesses and hourly workers in outage zones face significant losses, particularly when power is out for multiple days. The lack of insurance coverage or recourse for these losses further complicates the situation for those most affected.
How to Prepare for Future Shutoffs
To better prepare for future PSPS events, officials recommend updating contact information with Xcel, charging devices ahead of high-wind days, and maintaining a well-stocked emergency kit.
Residents can also consider installing surge-protected battery backups for critical electronics and reviewing fire restrictions during Red Flag and High Wind Warnings to ensure safety during these events.
The Future of Fire-Safe Grids in Colorado
As Colorado continues to face high wildfire risks, the second mandatory power shutdown marks a pivotal moment in how utilities, regulators, and communities handle grid reliability.
The event highlights the importance of adapting to climate-induced challenges and could shape the future of infrastructure planning, land-use decisions, and public expectations for living in high-risk areas prone to fires and extreme weather.
Sources:
“Xcel Energy Prepares for Likely Public Safety Power Shutoff, Working to Limit Customer Impact.” Xcel Energy Newsroom, December 16, 2025.
“Xcel Plans Power Shutoff in Boulder on Dec. 17 Ahead of Extreme Fire Risk.” Boulder Reporting Lab, December 16, 2025.
“Xcel Energy Settling Marshall Fire Law