File a Power Outage Complaint - Denver Bylaws

Utilities and Infrastructure Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Denver, Colorado, residents should first report power outages to their electric provider and then escalate unresolved service or reliability concerns to the state regulator. This guide explains who enforces service standards, how to file a formal complaint, the expected timelines and evidence to collect, and the practical steps Denver residents can take after a sustained or recurring outage. It covers emergency reporting, non-emergency complaints, common remedies, and where to find official complaint forms and contacts.

Report outages to your utility immediately; document times and impacts.

Who enforces electric service complaints

Electric service in Denver is provided by regulated utilities; the primary enforcement and complaint review for investor-owned utilities in Colorado is the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. For initial outage reports, contact your electric utility's outage reporting tools and customer service Xcel Energy outage reporting[1]. For formal consumer complaints about billing, service quality, or restoration performance, file with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission through its consumer complaint process Colorado PUC consumer complaints[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission has authority to investigate utility service issues and impose remedies, but specific fine amounts for outages are not listed on the cited complaint pages and are therefore not specified on the cited page.[2]

  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page; see the PUC complaint link for procedures.[2]
  • Enforcer: Colorado Public Utilities Commission (investigates and issues orders).
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remedy service, reporting requirements, or compliance plans (details depend on proceedings and are not listed as fixed penalties on the cited consumer page).
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: utility outage reports first, then PUC complaint form for unresolved issues.[1]
  • Appeals/review: complaints are reviewed by PUC staff and can proceed to formal docketed cases; time limits for appeals or requests for rehearing are case-specific and not specified on the cited page.[2]
If a specific fine or dollar penalty is needed, the PUC docket or order must be consulted for the exact figure.

Applications & Forms

The Colorado PUC publishes a consumer complaint submission process and form on its website for residential and small business customers; utilities also maintain outage-reporting pages and customer claim processes. If no form is required by the utility for outage reporting, use the utility's online outage report or phone line, then file a PUC complaint if unresolved.[1][2]

How to document and report an outage

Good documentation speeds review: record outage start and end times, photos of damage, medical or business impacts, and any communications with the utility.

  • Record exact outage start and restoration times.
  • Save outage maps, incident numbers, and customer service correspondence.
  • Use the utility's outage report tool or emergency number first; then prepare a PUC complaint if the issue is not resolved.[1]
Collecting clear timestamps and communications makes formal complaints much stronger.

Action steps for Denver residents

  1. Report the outage to your utility immediately using its outage map, online report, or emergency phone number and note the incident number.[1]
  2. Document impact: photos, medical consequences, lost business hours, and any property damage.
  3. If restoration is delayed or service is unsafe, file a consumer complaint with the Colorado PUC using the PUC consumer complaint page and attach your documentation.[2]
  4. If the PUC opens a docketed case, follow instructions in the PUC notice for evidence submission and deadlines.

FAQ

How do I report a power outage?
Report immediately to your electric utility using its outage map or customer service line; if unresolved, file a complaint with the Colorado PUC.
Can I get refunds or credits for outages?
Compensation or credits depend on the utility's policies and any PUC orders; specific amounts are not listed on the cited consumer complaint pages.
Who do I contact in Denver for non-utility help during large outages?
For emergency sheltering or public-safety coordination, contact Denver emergency services or 311 for city guidance.

How-To

  1. Report the outage to your utility and get an incident number.
  2. Collect documentation: timestamps, photos, medical or business impacts, and correspondence.
  3. Submit a consumer complaint to the Colorado PUC with attachments and your contact information.[2]
  4. Respond to any PUC follow-up requests and monitor docket status if the complaint is entered into a formal case.

Key Takeaways

  • Report outages to the utility immediately and document impacts.
  • If unresolved, file with the Colorado PUC using its consumer complaint process.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Xcel Energy - Outage reporting
  2. [2] Colorado Public Utilities Commission - Consumer complaint process

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