Minneapolis, Minnesota (April 10, 2024) – As spring arrives, so does the possibility of thunderstorms, tornadoes and high wind events in Minnesota. As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week (April 8 – 12), Xcel Energy reminds customers to prepare for severe weather while the company and its crews are prepared to respond to outages when they occur.

Xcel Energy has a strong commitment to safely restoring power as quickly as possible during weather-related outages, and one reason for that is the preparation done in advance. Crews and equipment are available at service centers throughout the metro area and Greater Minnesota to restore electric service when bad weather strikes.  

The spring season can bring a wide variety of unpredictable and severe weather like heavy snow, hail, thunderstorms, high winds and red flag warnings. In periods of increased wildfire risk in dry conditions and high winds, Xcel Energy will change settings on some of its electric distribution and transmission lines. This step is intended to enhance public safety by preventing a line from automatically restoring power in the event of an outage, ensuring a crew verifies the area is safe before restoring service. While this step is intended to reduce the risk of wildfires, it can lead to longer outages for customers.

To ensure customers are prepared, here are some practical tips to consider before the next storm strikes. Visit XcelEnergy.com for more outage tips.

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 

Customers can stay informed by using the My Xcel Energy mobile app or visiting the Xcel Energy website. The company reminds customers to keep contact information current. Customers can make updates to their profile by signing into My Account through the mobile app or 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 X, formerly known as Twitter. 

How 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:
    • 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)
  • 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) 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, formerly known as Twitter, and Facebook.