04/21/2026
⚠️ PUBLIC NOTICE - High Wildfire Risk & Potential Power Outage in Lake County
We wanted to alert residents to dangerous fire weather conditions expected this week that may impact power across our region.
Xcel Energy is monitoring strong winds, low humidity, and extremely dry conditions forecast to arrive Wednesday, April 22, with peak winds expected in the afternoon, and continuing into Thursday, April 23 along the northern Front Range.
What this means:
- Xcel Energy is evaluating a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) for some customers in western Colorado (Mesa, Garfield, Park, Eagle and Summit Counties) beginning the morning of Wednesday, April 22 (9AM-Noon).
- A PSPS is a planned outage used as a last resort to reduce the risk of wildfires during dangerous weather conditions.
- Lake County is not currently part of the planned outage / PSPS, but some may experience unplanned outages.
- Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) will be active statewide. This makes power lines more sensitive, and they may automatically shut off if a hazard (i.e. strong winds) is detected.
- You could experience brief or unexpected outages as a result.
Xcel Energy will contact potentially affected customers directly. Watch for updates.
What you should do NOW:
- Plan for potential power outages beginning Wednesday
- If you or a family member depends on electricity for medical equipment, prepare now
- Keep devices charged and have flashlights, water, and supplies ready
- Update your contact preferences with Xcel Energy via My Account to receive alerts
- Visit Xcel Energy’s website for outage preparedness tips and information on the Safe for Colorado program for qualifying medical customers
We will share updates as new information becomes available. Stay prepared, Lake County!