Xcel Energy Preparing For This Weekends Storm

In response to a predicted winter storm set to hit the region this weekend, Xcel Energy has crews and equipment ready to respond to potential electric outages and issued the following information.

Xcel Energy is known for fast restoration and one reason for that is the preparation done in advance. Crews and equipment are available at service centers throughout the metro area and nonmetro Minnesota to quickly and safely restore electric service.

Customers can sign up for outage notifications through the My Account feature on the Xcel Energy website. Additionally, the website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and anticipated time for restoration. Customers can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and Twitter. 

Other ways customers can prepare, stay safe

• Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling (800) 895-1999.
• Keep natural gas meters clear. Clearing snow and ice from natural gas meters is key to avoiding the potential for dangerous natural gas buildup indoors due to vents becoming sealed when covered in ice and snow. Xcel Energy strongly recommends keeping the entire meter assembly clear by gently removing snow or ice from the meter, associated piping and the roofline above the meter. Check often to ensure melting snow isn’t dripping on the meter from the roof or nearby trees. Use a shovel around a meter to move snow away; do not use a snow blower near a meter.
• Build a home emergency kit. Xcel Energy recommends assembling an easily accessible kit that  can  be used in the event of a power outage. Useful items may include:
  • Xcel Energy phone numbers: (800) 895-1999 for residential or (800) 481-4700 for business
  • Battery-powered radio or television
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • Back-up 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)
• Heating safety. Xcel Energy encourages homeowners to take advantage of rebates and incentives to install energy-efficient furnaces and insulation. If using a space heater, take care to ensure safety because more than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year in the United States, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. When using a space heater, make sure the heater has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, and read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels. Additionally, inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs and connections; don’t use it if they are frayed, worn or damaged. Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when leaving a room and don’t go to sleep with a space heater on.
• Observe food safety. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food safety is directly related to the temperature of the food. To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures, keep doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for about two days and a half-full freezer about one day.
• Report your outage. Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Call (800) 895-1999 and follow the prompts — the automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds. Once the cause of the problem is identified, the system or an Xcel Energy representative will provide customers with an estimated restoration time.