Eau Claire–July 20, 2019—More than 500 employees continue to restore power to customers in Wisconsin after continued storms throughout the day Saturday slowed efforts to restore electricity service to customers affected by this weekend’s storms. About 25,000 customers lost power at some point over the course of Friday and Saturday. As of Saturday evening, about 10,000 customers remain without power in Wisconsin.

“We greatly appreciate our customers’ patience as employees from all over the region travel to Wisconsin to help restore electric service,” said BJ Rauckman, senior director, control center operations, Xcel Energy-Wisconsin. “The storm featured winds of more than 80 miles per hour, which damaged trees and power lines throughout the state. We’re working as quickly and safely as possible to remove debris and repair the damage.”

In addition to Xcel Energy crews from other states, the company has also enlisted the help of partners and utilities throughout the region. Some of the most significant damage may require work that cannot be completed until tomorrow. Most of the affected areas include western and west central Wisconsin.

“We also ask that customers remain safe and stay away from and report any downed power lines to our customer service team at 1-800-895-1999,” said Rauckman.

Another item customers should check is the ‘mast,’ a pipe-like housing that connects service wires to the electric meter. If the mast has been damaged, customers must contact an electrician to repair it before service can be safely restored. Here’s some additional information about electric mass and additional information about outages can be found here. Customers can contact us at 1-800-895-1999 with questions.

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.

  • 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.

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 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.

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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.