MINNEAPOLIS (March 21, 2024) — Xcel Energy is preparing for two rounds of snow forecasted to blanket Minnesota over the coming days, with crews ready to safely restore any outages of electric or natural gas service as quickly as possible.

Xcel Energy maintains a diverse energy mix of wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas and coal sources to provide customers with the safe and reliable energy they depend on even through inclement weather. Weather forecasts anticipate the first of two snowfalls on Thursday and the second, larger one to follow on Sunday. Xcel Energy is tracking these forecasts and will plan accordingly to address any outages that result, responding to the largest outages first to quickly get the largest number of customers back online as soon as possible.

Customers can access the most recent updates about an outage using the My Xcel Energy mobile app or visiting the Xcel Energy outage map, which displays the number of customers out and the anticipated restoration time if available.

Report an outage 

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

Take steps to save energy and money

Winter heating can account for about half of a customer’s monthly energy costs. Customers can reduce the impact of colder weather on their energy bills by:

  • Lowering their thermostat to between 65 and 70 degrees while they are home, and 58 degrees when away from home. A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically lower the temperature based on daily routines.
  • Opening drapes and blinds to maximize heat from direct sunlight during the day, and then closing them to retain heat when it is dark.
  • Running ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down from the ceiling. 
  • Ensuring exterior doors and windows are fully closed and latched shut. Using window sealing kits can be a low-cost way to further prevent heat loss.
  • Keeping interior doors open to help circulate air more freely and maintain consistent heating levels.
  • Changing out dirty furnace filters to promote better airflow and reduce the energy the furnace uses. Replacing the filter once a month during the winter can reduce heating costs by 5 to 15%.
  • Improving the insulation of walls, crawl spaces, floors and heating ducts, which can save up to 10% on a home’s monthly energy bill.

Find more energy savings tips or learn about the programs, incentives and rebates customers can take advantage of when making energy efficiency upgrades to their homes and businesses. Xcel Energy encourages customers who are having trouble paying their energy bills to reach out to learn about payment plans or energy assistance programs.

How customers can prepare, stay safe

  • Keep natural gas meters clear to avoid a dangerous buildup of pressure in gas lines and prevent gas from leaking inside the home. Gently remove accumulated snow or ice by hand and clear a path to the meter for easy access in an emergency.
  • Use space heaters carefully to prevent fires. Read all instructions and warning labels and verify that the heater is listed by a recognized testing laboratory. Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs and connections and avoid using those that have frayed, worn or damaged components. Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when leaving a room and when going to sleep.
  • Maintain healthy air quality indoors by using a range hood for ventilation when cooking with an electric or natural gas appliance. Install detectors for carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless and tasteless, but very toxic. Move outside and call for medical help if experiencing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, ringing in the ears and lethargy.
  • Stay away from downed or sagging power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one that is 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.
  • 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)
  • Handle food safely in the event of a power outage. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food safety is directly related to the temperature of the food. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain their temperatures if the power goes out. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for approximately two days and a half-full freezer approximately one day.

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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.