Minneapolis, Minnesota–July 21, 2019—Xcel Energy expects to restore service to all Minnesota and South Dakota customers who can receive service by Sunday evening following yesterday’s severe storms. Weekend storms also affected customers throughout Wisconsin.  

“We understand losing power is a major inconvenience and thank our customers for their patience and understanding as our employees responded to this weekend’s severe storms,” said Troy Browen, senior director, control center operations, Xcel Energy. “Thanks also to the over 500 Xcel Energy employees and partners who worked through the weekend in challenging conditions.” This weekend’s storms tracked from the Sioux Falls area across southern Minnesota and through Wisconsin featuring high winds and heavy rain, which caused nearly 50,000 customers to lose power between those three states. 

Xcel Energy asks customers who are still without service to contact customer service at 1-800-895-1999. Due to the high winds and damage to trees, some customers may need to have the mast, a pipe-like housing that connects service wires to the meter, inspected. Information on masts is available here.

Other ways 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:

  • 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 (external link) 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 Twitter and Facebook.