Sioux Falls, South Dakota–Sept. 12, 2019—Xcel Energy continues to restore power to customers following this week’s tornadoes and strong thunderstorms that hit the Sioux Falls area. Nearly 500 crew members and staff are working to restore power to the approximately 2,200 customers still without service. Along with significant damage to homes, businesses and trees in town, the storm damaged more than 60 electric poles and caused other damage to the electric system.

“Our teams are out in full force today to join the recovery effort happening across the Sioux Falls area,” said Eric Pauli, community relations manager, Xcel Energy, South Dakota. “We appreciate our customers’ patience as our employees work to quickly and safely restore power. With the extensive damage in town, restoring service to all our customers will take time, but crews are making good progress.”

The strong winds and tornado knocked down trees and power lines throughout Sioux Falls, causing more than 26,000 customers to lose service. Xcel Energy called in crews from throughout the Upper Midwest to assist with restoration. We expect to have an estimate later today of when all customers who can receive service will be restored.

“We also ask that drivers and pedestrians give our workers enough room to work while restoring power,” said Pauli. “Much of the damage is along roadsides and we ask for assistance in keeping our workers safe as they restore power.”

Mast damage may require repairs

Often after severe storms, there may have been damage to the mast on customers’ homes. The mast is a pipe-like piece of equipment on the home that connects the service wire to the electric meter. If a mast has been damaged, customers will need to contact an electrician to make repairs, and an inspection must be completed before electric service can be restored. Additional information on mast damage can be found here.

Ways to stay safe during a power outage

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 can be used 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
  • A phone that does not require electricity
  • Non-electric alarm clock
  • 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, 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 for more information.

If customers remain without power we ask them to report their outage. Customers have a number of ways to report their outage.

  • Xcel Energy mobile app available on iOS and Android
  • Online at xcelenergy.com/out
  • Text ‘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.

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 visiting the Xcel Energy website or by downloading the mobile app available on iOS and Android. Additionally, the website hosts an outage map (external link) 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. 

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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.