Xcel Energy planning a Public Safety Power Shutoff on March 14

Published on March 13, 2026

The power shutoff is anticipated to impact some customers in Superior. Prepare now!

The Boulder Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is preparing for a Red Flag Warning day on Saturday, March 14. Officials expect dangerously high winds, critical fire conditions and power outages. Xcel Energy is planning a likely Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) starting around 2 p.m. for many parts of Boulder County. Please be aware that the current outage map includes a section of Superior, largely in the northwest part of Town. Officials also anticipate widespread unplanned outages. Even after the winds subside, community members could be without electricity for 24 to 48 hours while crews inspect lines for damage.

Customers can look up their address on the Xcel Energy outage map to find out if they will be affected by the PSPS event. The impacted areas and number of customers affected may continue to change as weather conditions evolve and Xcel teams refine the scope of the PSPS event. Xcel Energy will send out a mass communication to affected customers. The company utilizes weather forecasts and other data sources to help determine the best course of action to protect public safety. High winds, low relative humidity and dry ground fuel conditions are key factors in risk models. Models are regularly updated, and operations are adjusted accordingly to reduce wildfire risk.

How to prepare for high wind conditions and potential outages:

• Be sure you are signed up for emergency alerts, like evacuations warnings and orders, from first responders at BOCOAlert.org.
• To receive other helpful information during this event, sign up to receive informational updates by texting BOCOinfo to 888-777.
• Both alerts and informational texts are available in other languages by downloading the Reachwell app. Be sure to select both BOCOalert and BOCOinfo to receive all messages. Choose your preferred language and turn the sound on to receive notifications.
• Charge your electronics overnight, including phones, laptops, back-up batteries, etc. If you need power for critical, medical equipment, now is a good time to make arrangements to stay with friends or family outside the impacted areas.
• Pack a go-bag and be sure your vehicle has gas or is charged in case you need to evacuate.
• Avoid all sources of ignition – any fire that starts is likely to spread quickly.
• Only call 911 for emergencies.
• Secure outdoor furniture and other yard items or bring them inside.
• Any non-working traffic lights should be treated like a four-way stop.
• All City of Boulder and Boulder County trails and open space west of Hwy. 36, Hwy. 93 and Broadway will be closed all day. Flagstaff Road will be closed to all but essential local residential traffic. Please avoid these areas.

Officials are staffing up to monitor and respond to conditions. The Emergency Operations Center will open at 10 a.m. Saturday.

For more information, including maps, please visit BoulderODM.gov.