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Monday, Jan. 19, 2026

Are unplanned Xcel blackouts on the rise in Colorado?

Cassis Tingley, The Colorado Sun
yes

Xcel Energy customers reported more and longer power outages in 2024 than in previous years, Colorado Public Utilities Commission data shows. 

The average Xcel customer experienced 350 minutes without power due to outages in 2024, compared with just over 100 minutes in 2023. The number of outages during that period also spiked to 2.5 million, up from 1.5 million. The average length of outages increased to 200 minutes from roughly 100 minutes. 

A severe wind storm in April contributed to the issue, leading Xcel to shut down some power lines to reduce the risk of wildfire, but the PUC found the storm alone did not account for the rising outage numbers. 

Xcel paid roughly $6.6 million in fines in 2024 for failing to meet state standards for customer service and reliability. The penalty was greater than penalties for the prior three years combined. 

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