Xcel Energy Staging Crews Ahead of Anticipated Power Outages in Extreme Heat

(KNSI) – Xcel Energy is positioning crews and operations teams across Minnesota ahead of extreme heat that could strain the grid and knock out power starting Sunday and lasting into Thursday.

According to a press release, utility teams are staged and ready to respond and restore power if outages occur. If the heat causes service disruptions, restoration efforts will prioritize the largest outages first to get power back to the greatest number of customers as quickly and safely as possible.

A strong ridge of high pressure is forecast to push temperatures into the 90s to low 100s across the region, with heat indices potentially reaching 100 to 105 degrees or higher in some areas. Air conditioners running around the clock during stretches like this put added strain on the electric system, and demand typically peaks during the hottest afternoon hours.

Xcel says customers can help crews get a jump on restoration by reporting outages promptly through the Xcel Energy mobile app, at www.xcelenergy.com/out, by texting OUT to 98936, or by calling 1-800-895-1999. An outage map showing the number of customers affected and estimated restoration times is available through the app and the company’s website.

During the heat event, customers who are due to be disconnected will stay connected, and customers previously shut off for non-payment can have service temporarily restored if they have a smart meter capable of remote reconnection.

Xcel says it will contact those customers by text message or automated phone call, and they must respond, use the My Account platform online, or call 1-866-235-6881 to be reconnected.

Anyone who sees a downed or sagging power line should stay away, assume it’s energized, and report it immediately at 1-800-895-1999.

___