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Colorado Residents Blast Xcel Energy's Power Shutoffs

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. esidents-blast-xcel-energy-s-power-shutoffs.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 9:50 GMT by 9NEWS
      Locales: Colorado, UNITED STATES

DENVER, CO - January 31st, 2026 - A rising tide of frustration is sweeping across Colorado as residents grapple with increasingly frequent proactive power shutoffs enacted by Xcel Energy. A virtual town hall held Tuesday night laid bare the deep concerns of Coloradans, who are questioning the necessity, communication surrounding, and economic impact of these preventative measures aimed at mitigating wildfire risk.

The shutoffs, implemented when conditions like high winds and low humidity create elevated fire danger, have become a recurring issue, particularly in recent years. While Xcel Energy defends the practice as a crucial safety measure, residents are painting a picture of lost income, disrupted lives, and a growing sense of helplessness. The recent town hall, intended as a platform for dialogue, instead became a forum for pointed questions and impassioned pleas for solutions.

"It's not just an inconvenience; it's a financial catastrophe for many of us," declared Sarah Miller, a small business owner from Boulder, during the virtual meeting. "I run an online business that relies entirely on electricity. Every hour the power is out is lost revenue, and the cumulative effect is devastating. I'm not sure how much longer I can sustain this." Miller's sentiment was echoed by numerous attendees, many of whom operate home-based businesses or rely on consistent power for remote work.

The impact extends beyond economic hardship. Several residents voiced serious concerns about the disruption to essential services, particularly for those with medical needs. "I depend on a CPAP machine for sleep apnea," explained Robert Johnson, a retiree from Colorado Springs. "When the power goes out, my health is immediately at risk. Xcel's communication about the shutoffs is often insufficient, leaving me scrambling to find backup power or seek alternative arrangements." Other attendees highlighted the challenges faced by those reliant on electric wheelchairs, home oxygen concentrators, and other life-sustaining equipment.

Xcel Energy representatives, led by spokesperson Emily Carter, attempted to explain the complex wildfire risk assessment process and the rationale behind the preemptive shutoffs. "Our priority is the safety of our communities," Carter stated. "We understand the disruption these shutdowns cause, and we are continually working to refine our forecasting models and minimize the scope and duration of these events. We're using advanced weather modeling, real-time data from sensors across the state, and on-the-ground patrols to identify areas of high risk."

However, this explanation did little to quell the residents' concerns. A common refrain was the demand for greater transparency regarding the data and algorithms used to determine when to initiate shutoffs. "Are you absolutely certain these are necessary, or are there other options?" asked Maria Rodriguez, a resident of the Front Range. "We need to see the data. We need to understand why our power is being shut off, not just be told it's for our safety."

Beyond demanding greater transparency, residents offered a range of alternative solutions. Undergrounding power lines was a frequently suggested option, although Xcel representatives acknowledged the substantial cost associated with such a large-scale infrastructure project. Enhanced vegetation management, including more aggressive tree trimming and clearing around power lines, was another popular proposal. Some attendees also suggested exploring the use of microgrids or distributed energy resources to provide localized power during shutoffs.

"We're open to exploring all viable solutions," Carter assured the audience. "We recognize that the current situation is not sustainable, and we are committed to working with our customers to find a better path forward." Xcel Energy announced plans to establish a customer advisory group to provide ongoing feedback and participate in the development of long-term mitigation strategies.

The town hall is one of several being held across Colorado, part of a broader effort by Xcel Energy to address the growing public outcry. The company is also facing increased scrutiny from state regulators, who are considering stricter guidelines for proactive power shutoffs. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is expected to hold hearings next month to discuss potential policy changes, including requirements for improved communication, compensation for affected customers, and investment in grid modernization. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the debate over Xcel Energy's power shutoffs is far from over, and Colorado residents are determined to have their voices heard.