MINNEAPOLIS (July 14, 2024) — Xcel Energy crews are making significant progress restoring power for customers after storms brought heavy rain, lightning and straight-line winds overnight in the Twin Cities Metro area.

About 1,250 workers, including lineworkers and support staff from Xcel Energy and the company’s partners, are working to get the lights back on for approximately 35,000 customers who remain without power Sunday evening. Most of the remaining outages are in the West Metro, with a smaller number elsewhere around the metro area.

Crews have now restored power to 75% of the 135,000 customers affected by the severe storms overnight across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Xcel Energy anticipates restoring most customers’ power by Monday night, though some work will continue into Tuesday.

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 our Outage Checklist. 

Crews are working safely and taking frequent breaks for water and rest in Sunday’s hot and humid conditions. Another round of storms is possible overnight and could slow restoration efforts.

Report your outage

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

  • Through the My Xcel Energy mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and through Google Play.
  • Online at xcelenergy.com/out.
  • Via text by texting ‘OUT’ to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number to check the status of a power outage. 
  • By calling 1-800-895-1999 and following 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 when available.

Stay safe and informed during 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.

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.

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. To keep mobile devices charged, customers can consider using laptops or car chargers. Coffee shops and community centers are also good places to charge devices. 

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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 X and Facebook.