EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (Nov. 26, 2025) — Xcel Energy crews are working to assess damage and safely restore power to customers as quickly as possible after a winter storm with heavy, wet snow and high winds swept across northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan overnight creating widespread outages and damage to trees, poles and power lines.

Approximately 12,000 customers have been impacted, primarily in Manitowish Waters and Hayward, Wisconsin areas and Ironwood, Michigan area. Several employees and contractors are in the field working to restore power, with more coming from across the region to help. With the ongoing snow and high winds, we anticipate the number of outages could grow throughout the day and restoration times could extend into tomorrow and Friday.

“We understand how challenging it is to be without power, especially during severe winter weather and a holiday week,” said Bruce Holzman, director, Distribution Operations. “Our crews are working in difficult conditions to assess damage and restore service as quickly and as safely as we can. We appreciate our customers’ patience and support as we navigate these widespread outages.”

Visit https://wi.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/outage-map to find the number of customers currently affected.

When it comes to restoring power, top priority is given to situations that threaten public safety, such as live downed wires. Repair priority is based on what will restore power to the largest number of customers most quickly, such as transmission lines or feeder lines that serve large amounts of customers.

Customers who are experiencing outages should check for damage to their mast, which is the electric service connection to their home. If a mast is damaged, a licensed electrician must make repairs and it must be inspected before service can be restored. More information can be found at https://wi.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/outage-checklist

Report your outage

Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Customers have several ways to report outages.

· Use the Xcel Energy mobile app

· Visit www.xcelenergy.com/out

· Call 1-800-895-1999 and follow the automated prompts

Stay informed

If outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most recent updates about their power restoration. Customers can stay informed by using the My Xcel Energy mobile app or visiting the Xcel Energy website. The website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and anticipated time for restoration when available. Customers can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and X.

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.
  • Meter safety. Xcel Energy strongly recommends keeping your natural gas meter clear by gently removing snow or ice from around and on the meter, associated piping and the roofline above. Icy build-up can dangerously interfere with the flow of natural gas to and from your meter, and accumulated snow can prevent the meter from operating properly by stopping the flow of natural gas. A snow-covered meter could also lead to a loss of service and freezing of inside pipes as a result of lost heat. Customers should also clear a path to their gas meter to allow quick access in case of an emergency.
  • Heating safety. If using a space heater, take care to ensure safety as more than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year in the United States, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. When using a space heater, make sure the heater has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, and read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels. Additionally, inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs and connections; don’t use it if they are frayed, worn or damaged. Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when leaving a room and don’t go to sleep with a space heater on. Additionally, Xcel Energy offers rebates and incentives to install energy efficient furnaces and insulation.

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