MINNEAPOLIS (April 13, 2020) – Even in times of crisis, the threat of severe weather remains. While the weather in Minnesota is unpredictable, especially in April, the possibility of thunderstorms and tornadoes will soon be here. As part of National Severe Weather Awareness Week (April 13-17), Xcel Energy reminds customers to prepare for severe weather, and know that the company is prepared to respond when outages happen due to any kind of severe weather. 

The work our employees do to deliver the energy our customers rely on is critical to keeping our communities, and society, safe and running smoothly. Xcel Energy electricity and natural gas crews are taking extra safety precautions in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic as they continue working in the field to maintain the critical infrastructure that keeps the lights on and the heat flowing to customers’ homes.

If there is an outage, to allow crews to do their critical work, and for everyone’s safety, Xcel Energy is requesting that members of the public not approach them in the field. This helps maintain social distance to keep everyone healthy.

Stay informed – Sign up for outage notifications

If outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most recent updates about their power restoration. Customers can sign up for outage notifications through the My Account feature on the Xcel Energy website or by downloading the mobile app available on iOS and Android. Additionally, the website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and anticipated time for restoration. Customers can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and Twitter.

Report your outage.

Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Customers have a number of ways to report their outage.

  • Via the Xcel Energy mobile app available on iOS and Android
  • Online at xcelenergy.com/out
  • Via text by texting ‘OUT’ to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number to check the status of a power outage.
  • Call 1-800-895-1999 and follow the prompts—the automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds. Once the cause of the problem is identified, the system or an Xcel Energy representative will provide customers with an estimated restoration time.

Xcel Energy is prepared

Xcel Energy has a strong track record for fast restoration during weather-related outages, and one reason for that is the preparation done in advance. Crews and equipment are available at service centers throughout the metro area and Greater Minnesota to quickly and safely restore electric service. 

“During an outage our priority is to restore power to our customers as quickly and safely as possible,” said Lee Nordby, director, control centers and trouble operations, Xcel Energy-Minnesota. “We strategically place our crews and partners so they are ready to respond if severe weather hits. In addition to preparing our crews, we strongly encourage our customers to prepare so they remain safe during severe weather.”

Other ways customers can prepare, stay safe

Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.

Build a home emergency kit. Xcel Energy recommends assembling an easily accessible kit that you can rely on in the event of a power outage. Useful items may include:

  • Xcel Energy phone numbers - 1-800-895-1999 for residential or 1-800-481-4700 for business
    • Battery-powered radio or television
    • Flashlights
    • Batteries
    • Back up phone chargers
    • Bottled water and nonperishable food
    • Manual can opener
    • First aid kit
    • Extension cords (for partial outages)
    • Manufacturer's instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g., garage doors)
  • Observe food safety. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), food safety is directly related to the temperature of the food. To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures, keep doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for approximately two days and a half-full freezer approximately one day. Visit the USDA website (external link) for more information.
  • Report your outage. You can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by telling us about outages. Just call 1-800-895-1999 and follow the prompts—our automated phone reporting system lets you report outages in less than 60 seconds. Once we’ve identified the cause of the problem, the system or an Xcel Energy representative will provide you with an estimated restoration time.

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About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.