News Releases

Play it safe this summer with tips from Xcel Energy

MINNEAPOLIS - Even though it’s only beginning to feel like summer, the season is upon us, and with it come outdoor activities. Xcel Energy reminds customers to be mindful of overhead and underground utility lines this time of year when outdoors working or playing.

Following are a list of recommended safety tips to be aware of during the summer months. For more information about energy safety, please visit the “About Energy and Rates” section of Xcel Energy’s website at xcelenergy.com.

• Be aware of and stay well away from overhead power lines while participating in any outdoor activity.
• Stay away from downed power lines and anything they come in contact with, such as a fence or vehicle. If you see a downed power line, immediately call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999, or call 911 and warn others to stay away until help arrives.
• Advise children to fly kites, model airplanes and any other toys on strings or wires only in open areas far from overhead power lines and never during a storm. Both strings and wires conduct electricity.
• Never play on or near electrical equipment such as power poles, towers, substations or green metal boxes, which also house dangerous equipment. 
• If a pet climbs a power pole, let the animal come down on its own. Do not attempt to climb the pole to rescue the pet.
• Do not climb trees near power lines or other electrical equipment. When trimming trees, make sure branches and limbs are clear of any power lines. If branches near power lines affect your electricity service, call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999.
• “Call Before You Dig.” In Minnesota you must call 48 hours (not including weekends and holidays) in advance of digging to Gopher State One Call at 651-454-0002 (metro-area) or, 1-800-252-1166 (outside the metro area).
• Keep ladders, tools or any object or mechanical equipment you may be holding or using more than 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
• Never use an electric lawn mower on wet grass, and postpone using electric tools if working surfaces are wet or if it's raining.
• Xcel Energy offers a free electricity safety demonstration for school groups and contractors who work around electricity and natural gas equipment. Call Xcel Energy at 1-800-828-6788 during business hours to schedule.