Xcel Energy has announced they are watching and preparing for severe weather forecasted across our service area in Texas and New Mexico, including high wind speeds and low relative humidity.
Due the wildfire risk expected across the region Friday, March 14, the company is encouraging customers to plan for potential power outages later this week due to the weather. The warning also extends to those who have medical equipment that relies on electricity.
Please know the forecast may change and we will provide updates as needed.
Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and other data to determine the best course of action to protect public safety. High winds, low relative humidity and dry ground conditions are key factors in our wildfire risk models.
Excel updates these models regularly and adjust operations to reduce wildfire risk.
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) are tools they implement to reduce wildfire risk and keep customers safe.
EPSS allows power lines to remain in service during periods of elevated wildfire risk, with additional protection settings enabled. In a PSPS event, power is proactively shut off for safety as a last resort.
Excel added this is not a step they take lightly. More information is available on their website.
Because of the elevated risk of wildfire, Excel expects to activate Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) across our Texas and New Mexico service territory for most of this week.
When EPSS is activated, power lines can stop the flow of energy if an issue is detected, like a tree branch or other object touching the line.
EPSS does not mean the company has proactively turned off a customer’s power. If there is an outage while these settings are activated, it is the result of an issue on the power line.
Power will remain off until Excel crews can visually inspect power lines to make sure it is safe to turn them back on. This may mean that if an outage occurs, it could last longer.
A Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is a risk mitigation option where power is shut off to a targeted area for a limited time when wildfire risks are extremely high and other methods like EPSS are not enough for public safety.
Xcel Energy will notify customers who may be affected if a PSPS becomes necessary.
Currently, Excel is evaluating the potential need for a PSPS on Friday, March 14.
Both EPSS and PSPS are used when temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and available fuel sources indicate high wildfire risk.
If outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most recent updates about their power restoration.
Customers should make sure their account information and communications preferences are up to date through the Xcel Energy website.
The website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and anticipated time for restoration when available. Customers can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and X.
Customers are encouraged to be prepared for an electric outage by keeping phones and other devices charged and building an outage kit with items that do not require electricity, including: - Battery-powered radio - Flashlights - Batteries - Backup phone chargers - A phone that does not require electricity - Non-electric alarm clock - Bottled water and nonperishable food - Manual can opener - First aid kit - Extension cords (for partial outages)
- Manufacturer’s instructions on how to manually open poweroperated doors (e.g. garage doors) - Xcel Energy phone numbers – (800) 895-1999 for residential or (800) 481-4700 for business If a PSPS becomes necessary, Excel we will attempt to contact known medical customers in the area directly to inform them about forecasted severe weather and potential impacts.