News Releases

Xcel Energy crews working to restore power knocked out in July 4 storms

Customers should call 1-800-895-1999 to report outages, downed power lines

MINNEAPOLIS - Storms packing high winds and lightning moved through Minnesota and neighboring states early this morning, knocking out power to approximately 82,000 Xcel Energy customers, including nearly 28,900 customers in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Xcel Energy began calling in crews early this morning to work on restoring power, and crews will continue working today and into the weekend until all power is restored. By mid-day today, approximately 16,000 Xcel Energy customers remained without power in the Upper Midwest, including about 7,000 in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

High winds knocked trees and branches onto power lines, and lightning strikes also damaged electricity distribution equipment.

“We've called in crews on this Independence Day holiday so we can restore power as quickly as possible,” said Michael Lamb, general manager of Xcel Energy's control center and emergency response. “We thank those workers who already have responded to our calls. Any additional line crew workers who are available to report to work today in Minnesota, Wisconsin or South Dakota are asked to call their control centers.

“We are still assessing damage to the electrical system, and we expect to have an estimate later today of when all power from these storms will be restored.”

Company officials also are stressing safety during the restoration, warning customers to stay away from downed power lines, and to call the Xcel Energy customer hotline at 1-800-895-1999 to report a downed line or power outage. Customers connecting a generator to their fuse box or circuit breaker box should employ a licensed electrician or follow all manufacturer’s directions to make sure it is connected safely, to prevent the generator from “back-feeding” the distribution system, posing a hazardous condition.

If customers notice damage to the power line “mast” on the roof or side of their home, or other electrical equipment attached to the home, they must contact a licensed electrician to repair the equipment.

During an extended outage in hot, humid weather, customers can minimize discomfort by following these suggestions: keep your drapes of blinds shut to keep the sun from heating your home; minimize the number of times you open your refrigerator and freezer; and, if you can, spend time in public buildings or with friends who have air conditioning.