DENVER — Xcel Energy customers could experience planned power outages this weekend as the utility prepares for severe weather, including high winds and dry ground fuel conditions.
Xcel said in a release Thursday that it is monitoring and preparing for conditions that will create critical fire weather conditions along much of the Front Range on Saturday and is evaluating whether a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) will be needed for some customers in Boulder and Jefferson counties.
The National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings for Thursday and Friday and a Fire Weather Watch for Saturday. Xcel said although Colorado experienced dangerous winds and low relative humidity Thursday, the conditions did not meet its criteria for a PSPS. Strong winds did damage power lines and poles, resulting in unplanned outages. As of 4 p.m. Thursday, 18,000 Xcel customers were without power, the utility said, primarily in Fort Collins, Evergreen and Boulder…