AMARILLO, Texas (Mar. 16, 2025) – Xcel Energy has successfully restored power to nearly all 68,000 customers affected by the historic windstorm on Friday, March 14. The storm caused significant damage to power infrastructure, prompting crews to replace nearly 20,000 feet of wire, 140 power poles, about 340 pole cross arms and nearly 50 transformers since Friday.

At the same time, the ongoing dry weather pattern is creating the possibility for another Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event in parts of Southeastern New Mexico and the South Plains region of Texas on Tuesday, March 18. The region has experienced only 25-50% of its usual precipitation over the past two months, significantly heightening wildfire risks due to the persistent weather pattern typical of this time of year.

Xcel Energy is currently assessing whether another PSPS will be necessary on Tuesday. Preliminary estimates suggest that fewer than 2,000 customers may be affected. However, high winds could significantly increase the number of potentially impacted customers.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed state emergency response resources to remain engaged to support local wildfire response efforts. This includes the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which will monitor power outages and coordinate with utility providers.

If a PSPS becomes necessary, Xcel Energy will attempt to contact customers directly and provide updates on its PSPS Event website. As grasses and brush continue to green up across our Texas and New Mexico service areas, and as weather patterns change, wildfire risks should decrease along with the potential need for electric service interruptions.

"We sincerely thank our customers for their patience. Public safety is our top priority, and public safety power shutoffs are truly a last resort, used only when absolutely necessary," said Adrian Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – Texas, New Mexico. "Mitigating wildfire risk is a community effort, and we appreciate your support as we work together to keep our communities safe."

More info on Public Safety Power Shutoffs and Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings

Xcel Energy uses weather forecasts and other data sources to determine the best course of action to protect public safety. High winds, low relative humidity and dry ground conditions are key factors in our risk models. We generate new models regularly and adjust operations accordingly to reduce wildfire risk.

A PSPS is a measure where power is shut off to a targeted area for a limited time period, used only when the fire risk is exceptionally high, and other methods like Enhanced Power Safety Settings (EPSS) are not enough for public safety.

EPSS allows for power lines to remain in service during periods of elevated wildfire risk, with additional protection settings enabled. More background information is available on our website and this EPSS video.

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.