Xcel Energy preparing for severe weather, No PSPS planned
Media Release, Xcel Energy
AMARILLO, Texas – Xcel Energy is activating Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) to reduce wildfire risk due to the upcoming weather event. Customers are encouraged to prepare for potential weather-related outages, especially on Tuesday, when high winds are expected.
Xcel Energy does not expect to conduct any Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) due to the upcoming weather event. This decision comes as updated forecasting models indicate decreased windspeeds and increased fuel moisture. However, this is still expected to be a significant weather event, and any outages occurring due to the weather could last for an extended period.
“We are grateful to our customers for their patience and understanding as the dry weather continues in our area,” said Adrian Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – Texas, New Mexico. “Thank you for preparing for potential outages and supporting our efforts to protect our communities.”
Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings activated due to the elevated risk of wildfire, Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) are active across our Texas and New Mexico service territory.
• When EPSS is activated, power lines can stop the flow of energy if an issue is detected, like a
tree branch or other object touching the line.
• EPSS does not mean the company has proactively turned off a customer’s power. If there is an
outage while these settings are activated, it is the result of an issue on the power line.
• Power will remain off until our crews can visually inspect power lines to make sure it is safe to
turn them back on. This may mean that if an outage occurs, it could last longer.
Both EPSS and PSPS are only used when temperature, wind speed, relative humidity and other available fuel sources indicate a high risk for wildfire. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to take steps to reduce wildfire risk and keep our communities safe.
