Xcel power shutdown frustrates customers [Video]

LITTLETON, Colo. — Many Coloradans found themselves frustrated and rushing to search for alternatives after Xcel Energy shut down power on Saturday to tens of thousands of homes in areas prone to wildfires due to high winds.

This marks the first preemptive power shutdown ever conducted by Xcel in Colorado. Power lines were deactivated in six counties including Boulder, Gilpin, Jefferson, Larimer, Douglas, and Broomfield starting Saturday afternoon around 3 p.m., affecting over 55,000 customers. The shutdown is expected to last into Sunday.

While Xcel said they did make efforts to notify customers Friday night, many residents in the outage zones report receiving minimal notice, if any.

Mike Raabe, a resident of Littleton, said he received a notification about the outage via automated phone call only four hours …