MINNEAPOLIS (April 23, 2026) — Xcel Energy is preparing for severe weather predicted this afternoon and evening for central and southern Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro, with 150 crews ready to safely restore any power outages as quickly as possible.

The company maintains a diverse energy mix to provide customers with the safe and reliable energy they depend on, even through inclement weather. Weather forecasts anticipate severe thunderstorms and damaging winds, with a possibility of large hail and tornadoes. The company is tracking these forecasts and will stage additional crews as needed to respond to any outages, attending to the largest outages first to quickly get the most customers back online as soon as possible.

Report an outage or get updates
Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. To report an outage:

Customers can also access the most recent updates about an outage using the mobile app or by visiting the Outage Map, which displays the number of customers out and the anticipated restoration time if available.

Prepare and stay safe

  • Stay away from downed or sagging power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one on the ground, is energized and dangerous. Never touch or move a downed power line; instead, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.
  • To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures in the event of a power outage, 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.
  • Build a home emergency kit to use in the event of a power outage, with items such as:
    • Xcel Energy phone numbers: 1-800-895-1999 for residential or 1-800-481-4700 for business
    • Battery-powered radio or television
    • Flashlights
    • Batteries
    • Backup 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)

  • Make back-up plans for medical equipment. Xcel Energy recommends taking necessary steps to provide back-up power for electric-operated medical equipment. In situations that are medically serious, customers should seek medical support at area facilities that have back-up power generation during extended outages.

  • 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) 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.