MINNEAPOLIS (4/3/23) — Xcel Energy would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding as more than 1,200 employees and contractors from across the region worked around the clock to safely restore power to customers following storms that caused significant damage in the region over the weekend.

Since Friday night, approximately 300,000 customers were impacted over the duration of the storm, and restoration for all customers was completed this afternoon. Customers who remain without power should check for damage to their mast, which is the electric service connection to their home. If the mast is damaged, a licensed electrician must make repairs and it must be inspected before service can be restored. For additional details, visit xcelenergy.com/outages_and_emergencies/mast_damage.

With additional storms predicted in the Upper Midwest this week, Xcel Energy has put operational plans in place to make sure key employees, including line workers, are available and able to respond to outages that may occur due to the severe weather. 

Report your outage  

Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages when they experience them. There are a number of ways to report outages:

  • Through the My Xcel Energy mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and through Google Play. 
  • 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 about outages  

When 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 by 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 Twitter.

  

Other ways customers can prepare and stay safe ahead of future storms

  • 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.