Xcel Energy Calls For Backup Before Storm Hits
DENVER (CBS4)- Xcel Energy is getting ready for this weekend's storm by asking for help before the heavy, wet snow starts to pile up and bring down power lines.
The utility put in a request on Friday for at least 90 crews to come in from surrounding states, from Oklahoma and Kansas, to help local efforts.
"They'll be stationed along the Front Range to help with any outage and calls that we get," said Xcel Energy spokeswoman Michelle Aguayo.
At least 950 people will be out in the field, working to trim trees and respond to downed power lines.
An additional 250 people will work behind the scenes over the weekend answering phones and responding to customers' needs. That's triple the usual manpower where staff can virtually monitor outage locations.
"You add the people who are also in the office, the call centers, working behind the scenes and we're going to have roughly about 1,200 employees working the storm throughout the weekend," said Aguayo.
Xcel Energy said at the height of last month's blizzard, some 290,000 customers were impacted. That was the largest single-day outage in Colorado for Xcel.
During that storm, heavy snow weighed down power lines close to trees in Lakewood which sparked a fire.
Xcel can't say for certain what will happen during this weekend's storm, but said they will take all the help they can get.
"You can't really compare storm to storm because you never know where the high winds will be, what lines will be affected and how that will happen. So we have to prepare as best as possible for any anticipated situation that will come up," said Aguayo.
Xcel urges anyone who sees a downed power line to call 911 right away. And if there is a power outage call Xcel Energy (800) 895-4999.