Henley says customers will end up footing the $3 million bill to replace two transformers. That increase, according to Henley, would cost customers an additional 3 cents each month until the full amount has been recouped.

He says that the cost of the repairs will be covered by Xcel.

The exact cost and time frame when the rates will go up will be decided when Xcel meets with Colorado Public Utilities.

Xcel sent out an automated call to customers Wednesday, reminding those affected by the substation explosion to conserve energy and that controlled outages are possible. They will ask thousands to limit their power again Thursday.

Xcel says a controlled outage could happen in the area of the initial explosion at 14th and Jackson. However, depending on how many choose to conserve, it could spread to stretches from Interstate 70 to the north, Alameda to the south, Broadway to the west and Peoria to the east.

The company spokesman says it could be a while before Xcel is able to get customers back to regular usage.

Xcel says its temporary substation will be running Thursday, but it can only handle a third of the power supply. The company says it will bring in another temporary transformer sometime in the next week.

The temporary station will alleviate some of the pressure from surrounding substations, Henley says. But the Harrison substation will not be able to run at full capacity for several weeks until the transformers arrive and are installed.

Xcel recommends the best way to conserve energy on hot days is to makes sure your air conditioning is turned off when you are not home.

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