MINNEAPOLIS (July 14, 2024) — Xcel Energy crews are working to assess damage and safely restore power to about 75,000 customers as quickly as possible after storms brought heavy rain, lightning and straight-line winds overnight in the Twin Cities Metro area.

About 500 Xcel Energy team members and another 750 from the company’s partners will be in the field working to restore power. Most of the outages are in the West Metro, with a smaller number elsewhere around the metro area and western Wisconsin.

Customers and members of the media checking Xcel Energy’s online outage map should be aware that the map is currently showing a higher number of outages than is accurate. The correct number as of this morning is about 75,000.

Xcel Energy anticipates restoring most customers’ power by Monday night, though work will continue into Tuesday. Sunday’s weather forecast calls for hot and humid conditions, with another round of storms possible Sunday evening. The company has put operational plans in place to ensure employees are available to respond to outages while staying safe in the heat.

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 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.

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. 

Additional tips are available on our Outage Checklist. 

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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.