SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) –With a winter storm predicted to hit parts of the Upper Midwest, Xcel
Energy is gearing up additional crews who will work to get the lights back on if customers lose power
during the storm. We also have many tips customers can use to stay safe, report outages and stay
informed when severe weather hits.
The strong winds, combined with snow and ice predicted with this storm can cause power outages. We
understand that power outages are a major inconvenience for customers, so we plan ahead and prepare
for weather that may cause outages.
“During an outage, our priority is to restore power to our customers as quickly and safely as possible,” said
Lee Nordby, director, control centers and trouble operations, Xcel Energy-Minnesota. “We strategically
place our crews and partners so they are ready to respond if severe winter weather hits. In addition to
preparing our crews, we strongly encourage our customers to prepare so they remain safe during severe
weather.”
Report your outage.
Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Customers have
a number of ways to report their outage.
• Xcel Energy mobile app available on iOS and Android
• Online at xcelenergy.com/out
• Text ‘OUT’ to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number to check the status of
a power outage.
• Call 1-800-895-1999 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.
Stay informed
If outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most recent updates about their power
restoration. Customers can stay informed by visiting the Xcel Energy website or by downloading the
mobile app available on iOS and Android. 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 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 1-800-895-1999.
• 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:
o Xcel Energy phone numbers – 1-800-895-1999 for residential or 1-800-481-4700 for business
o Battery-powered radio or television
o Flashlights
o Batteries
o Back up phone chargers
o A phone that does not require electricity
o Non-electric alarm clock
o Bottled water and nonperishable food
o Manual can opener
o First aid kit
o Extension cords (for partial outages)
o Manufacturer’s instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g., garage
doors)
• Heating safety. If using a space heater, take care to ensure safety as 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. Additionally, Xcel Energy offers rebates and
incentives to install energy efficient furnaces and insulation.
• 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
approximately two days and a half-full freezer approximately one day. Visit the USDA website for
more information.
(Xcel energy’s Eric Pauli contributed to this report.)
