MINNEAPOLIS (Jan. 24, 2026) — With widespread extremely cold temperatures and high energy demands across the system today, Xcel Energy and other Upper Midwest utilities are asking customers to conserve energy today to help ensure the regional energy grid can continue to deliver reliable service.

While Xcel Energy has enough electric generation to meet the needs of its customers today, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), which manages the regional grid across 15 states and parts of Canada, forecasts that the widespread cold temperatures will add strain to the larger energy grid.

Customers can take part in conservation efforts by making small changes in their day and evening routines including setting thermostats lower, turning off unnecessary lights, and postponing the use of major appliances if possible.

The company is requesting that customers take these steps to conserve energy to decrease the demand on the electrical grid and reduce stress on the system.

Customers should follow these conservation tips:

  • Turn down your thermostat so your furnace runs less.
  • Operate energy-intensive appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers, during early morning and late evening hours.
  • Open blinds to take advantage of the sun's warmth during the day but close them at night to insulate against the cold air outside.
  • Limit the opening and reopening of refrigerators, which are major users of electricity in most homes.
  • When possible, businesses should shift power-intensive work processes to morning or late evening hours.

More information can be found on the Energy Saving Tips page at xcelenergy.com.

In addition to encouraging customers to conserve, Xcel Energy will also take steps to manage electricity demand. The company will work with large commercial customers who participate in voluntary interruptible energy programs to lower peak demand.

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About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar — delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.

We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers’ need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook.