Summary:
Xcel Energy aims to restore power to over 12,000 customers in Boulder County by Saturday night, with some delays possible until Sunday.
Outages were caused by severe winds exceeding 100 mph, deemed a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” by the National Weather Service.
Small businesses, like Wise Buys Antiques, faced significant losses during the pre-Christmas weekend, resorting to kerosene lamps for lighting.
Residents report frustration with communication from Xcel, citing confusing updates and poor cell service hindering access to information.
Remote workers and entrepreneurs are struggling with lost productivity and holiday preparations due to the intermittent power outages.
Xcel Energy has announced that most of the over 12,000 customers in Boulder County who lost power due to severe winds are expected to have their electricity restored by 10 p.m. on Saturday night. This update brings hope to residents who have endured intermittent outages for four days, though some areas may not see power until Sunday if damage is severe.
As of 4:18 p.m. on Saturday, Xcel’s outage map showed 12,757 customers affected in Boulder, down from more than 15,000 earlier in the day. The outages stemmed from Friday’s strong winds, which the National Weather Service labeled a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” due to high wildfire risks. Wind gusts exceeded 100 mph, causing widespread damage, including downed power lines and roof damage, prompting Boulder officials to advise residents to stay off roads.
Crews are prioritizing restoration for medically vulnerable individuals, according to city spokesperson Sarah Huntley, while assessing significant damage in Nederland and unincorporated Boulder County. The situation has hit small businesses hard, especially during the crucial pre-Christmas weekend.
For example, Tim and Carrie Wise, owners of Wise Buys Antiques in Niwot, lost power at 6 a.m. on Friday, disrupting their sales. They resorted to using kerosene lamps from their store to light their home, with power briefly returning on Saturday before being fully restored by midday. Similarly, Abby Bok in north Boulder has faced repeated outages since Wednesday, impacting her remote work and holiday preparations.
Many residents, like Bok, express frustration with Xcel’s communication, describing it as confusing and inconsistent. Bok noted receiving conflicting restoration times and difficulties accessing updates due to poor cell service. Despite this, some understand the necessity of the Public Safety Power Shutoffs to prevent wildfires, with Bok stating, “I would rather have a standing house and not have to experience a fire.”
Xcel has defended its efforts, stating that customers have been contacted via their preferred methods and will continue to receive updates as work progresses. The company’s focus remains on restoring power safely and efficiently, but the outages highlight challenges for entrepreneurs and remote workers in managing disruptions during peak seasons.
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