Beginning at approximately 8:30 a.m. Sunday, April 22, Xcel Energy experienced severe "galloping" of high-voltage transmission lines serving Denver International Airport, due to high winds in the area from the north.

The galloping condition caused the transmission lines, mostly those running east and west, to slap together. This led to power outages and poor quality service issues at the airport, which lasted for approximately one hour. The City of Denver has further information on the impact of the power situation on airport operations.

Xcel Energy restored service to the airport at approximately 9:30 a.m. Sunday, but there are remaining concerns about power quality issues in light of the ongoing storm. Xcel Energy crews are continuing to personally monitor the affected transmission lines in the area.

Xcel Energy has made power quality at DIA its number one priority. Today, we have personnel on site to handle any additional difficulties, and our engineers are devising long-term solutions to the galloping on these transmission lines.

These solutions could include the installation of additional "dampers" that mitigate contact between the transmission lines; the installation of additional transmission towers to transmission lines serving the airport; and alternative generation sources for the airport.

Xcel Energy will keep you apprised of the situation throughout the day, and Xcel Energy representatives will be available for interviews. For further information, please contact Media Services at (303) 294-8900.