Xcel Energy braces for extended power outages amid severe winds

AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Xcel Energy is taking proactive measures to mitigate the risk of wildfires as severe winds sweep through the region, potentially causing extended power outages.

Chester Brown, the Director of Distribution for Xcel Energy's Texas and New Mexico region, said that restoration efforts cannot begin until weather conditions improve.

"We were expecting this event to last well through the afternoon and maybe into the evening in most parts of our territories," Brown said. "Unfortunately, we have to wait until most of that criteria is met to start assessing all of the major damage in order to start isolating customers and restoring."

Wes Reeves, Xcel's Senior Community Engagement Manager for Fire Mitigation, noted that over 17,000 people will be affected by the public safety power shutoff, a precautionary measure to prevent fires. Reeves warned that power outage numbers could fluctuate.

"If you're affected by a public safety power shutoff, it's possible your power could be out overnight well into tomorrow," Reeves said. "Also the same with other customers who are affected by just general wind damage, it could take some time."

Reeves added that additional crews from Colorado have been brought in to assist with the situation.

Brown emphasized that crews are working diligently but cautioned that it is too early to predict when power will be fully restored.

"Assessing police, fire calls, immediate damage, public safety concerns, that's what we're primarily out in the field doing," Brown said. "With the wind speeds that they are and as bad as it is, we just can't be up in the air doing much restoration."

Xcel Energy continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as conditions evolve. For more information click HERE.