Preparing for an Outage

Take proper safety precautions this spring and summer, assemble an outage kit, or consider a standby generator

Outage Kits & Computer Protection

We recommend going through this checklist and assembling an easily accessible kit that you can rely on in the event of a power outage. The following are useful items to have in an outage, and remember to replace items you've used up, such as batteries, food, and water, after the outage.

Outage Kit Checklist

• Xcel Energy phone numbers (1-800-895-1999 for residential or
  1-800-481-4700 for business)
• Battery-powered radio or television
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• 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)

Computer Tips

• Protect your computer from power surges with proper electrical connections.
• Have a battery backup for your computer for use during outages.
• If you work out of your home, take steps to secure back-up power, lighting, and safety options during an outage.

Standby Generators

Emergency standby generators can supply electricity to your home or business during a power outage. Operating a standby generator can be a lifesaver during a power outage, but only if it is properly installed and maintained. Understand the hazards, and familiarize yourself with these important safety precautions before you purchase or begin to use one.

Portable Gasoline-powered Generators

You can purchase a small, portable, gasoline-powered outdoor unit and run extension cords from the generator directly to appliances such as lamps, refrigerators, or electric space heaters. Always run such generators outside where there is adequate ventilation — never inside the house.

Generators Permanently Connected to Main Electrical Supply

A licensed electrician can connect a larger backup generator to a building's main wiring panel. These generators can be used during electric outages to power essential medical devices, furnaces, air conditioners, or well pumps (for those not connected to a municipal water supply). Your electrician will see that the setup meets national, state, and local electrical codes and ensure compatibility with our power system.

Generator Hazards

Improper installation and use of standby generators may violate state or local electrical codes and can severely endanger those working to restore your power. During power outages, our crews work from maps to locate disconnects. Improperly connected generators may re-energize lines that otherwise would be off, creating "back feed." Back feed occurs when electric power is introduced to the utility's power lines from generators with faulty connections. In the case of back feed, lines expected to be de-energized are in fact live, and could potentially electrocute crew members attempting to make repairs.

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