More than 2,000 Denver households and businesses lost power Friday afternoon as outages swept across several central neighborhoods, cutting lights at some traffic signals and dimming entire blocks while snow pushed through the metro area. Residents reported lights flickering before the power cut out, and utility crews were dispatched to multiple spots to start repairs. Officials urged people to track utility updates and follow standard outage precautions while the work continues.
Where power went out
According to CBS Colorado, the heaviest impacts were felt in Capitol Hill (about 988 customers), Goldsmith (about 1,440 customers), East Colfax (about 530 customers) and Harvey Park South (about 120 customers). CBS reported estimated restoration times ranging from mid- to late evening for the affected neighborhoods, based on utility status information available Friday afternoon.
Crews racing to restore service
Xcel Energy said crews were on scene to assess and repair equipment, and customers are encouraged to report outages using the company's online outage map or by texting STAT to 98936 for automated status updates. Restoration typically prioritizes locations with the largest number of customers affected, along with sites that pose safety risks. The company noted that repair timelines can shift as crews identify specific damage and navigate winter conditions.
Restoration estimates and cause
The utility had not released a formal cause for Friday's outages as of the CBS Colorado report, and crews were still conducting damage assessments in the hardest-hit neighborhoods. Neighborhood-level estimates provided by CBS Colorado offered the clearest public snapshot of how many customers were affected on Friday afternoon. Officials cautioned that estimated restoration times could change as repairs move forward.
Safety tips while you’re without power
The American Red Cross recommends unplugging appliances to protect them from potential power surges when electricity comes back. If you are using a gas-powered generator, operate it only outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows and doors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep phones and medical devices charged when possible, rely on flashlights instead of candles for light, and move to a warming center if you have medical needs that depend on electricity. If you see downed power lines or other immediate hazards, contact emergency services.
Weather the likely backdrop
Snow was falling across the metro on Friday, and temperatures hovered near freezing at Denver International Airport, according to the National Weather Service. Those conditions can make repairs trickier and put added stress on electrical equipment. Residents are urged to keep an eye on utility and official channels for the latest updates as crews work to restore service.
