MINNEAPOLIS (July 12, 2026) — Xcel Energy is preparing for extreme heat expected across the Dakotas, Minnesota and western Wisconsin starting today and continuing into Tuesday. Crews and operations teams are ready to safely respond and restore power if outages occur.

A strong ridge of high pressure is expected to bring widespread temperatures in the 90s to low 100s across the region, with heat indices potentially reaching 100 to 105 degrees or higher in some areas.

Xcel Energy maintains a diverse energy mix and robust electric system to provide customers with the safe and reliable energy they depend on during periods of extreme weather. In the event of service disruptions, restoration efforts will prioritize the largest outages first to restore power to the greatest number of customers as quickly and safely as possible.

Xcel Energy encourages customers to stay weather aware, take precautions to avoid heat-related illness and have a plan in place in case severe weather causes power outages.

During periods of extreme heat and poor air quality, new safeguards will keep power connected for customers who are due to be disconnected. The company can also temporarily reconnect power for customers who were disconnected for non-payment if they have a smart meter installed that is capable of remote reconnections. Xcel Energy will proactively identify disconnected customers in the area of the event to offer reconnection of electric service.

Affected customers will receive a text message and/or an automated phone call on the option to be reconnected. For safety reasons, customers must respond to this message, use the My Account platform online or contact an Xcel Energy representative at 1-866-235-6881 to have their electric service temporarily restored. Once the heat or air quality event is over, power will be disconnected again, but customers will have the option to enroll in a payment plan to continue service.

Save energy and money

The average monthly electric bill for an Xcel Energy residential customer is nearly 32% below the national average. Still, cooling costs can account for half of a summertime electric bill, so the company is providing tips to customers to practice energy efficiency while staying cool:

  • Installing a programmable thermostat that raises its setting when the house is empty and lowers it to a comfortable level when everyone comes home.
  • Using ceiling fans to circulate cool air throughout the home.
  • Opening interior doors to improve the circulation of cool air inside.
  • Using a whole-house or attic fan to draw in cool nighttime air.
  • Changing air conditioner filters and having air conditioner coils cleaned to improve efficiency.
  • Closing drapes and blinds during the heat of the day.
  • Turning off lights and electronics when they’re not in use.
  • Running washing machines, clothes dryers and dishwashers with full loads and only after the heat of the day. This helps keep the house cooler and reduces strain on the electric grid.

Find more energy savings tips or learn about the programs, incentives and rebates available when making energy efficiency upgrades to 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.

Prepare and stay safe

Stay away from downed or sagging power lines and 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.

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)

Report an outage or get updates

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

  • Text OUT to 98936
  • Call 1-800-895-1999 and follow the automated prompts

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.

 

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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.