Xcel Energy helps customers restore power after overnight severe thunderstorm

Xcel Energy workers are helping customers assess damages and restore power after Friday night thunderstorms caused extensive damage to trees, poles, and power lines.

According to Xcel Energy, hundreds of employees and contractors are a part of the effort to get the power back on, the number of workers will increase to 500 later on in the day.

Xcel Energy stated that Friday night storms caused 125,000 customers to experience an outage and as of 8 a.m. on Saturday, more than 100,000 customers in Minnesota have been restored. About 24,500 customers are still without power with the vast majority of those in the Twin Cities metro area.

The company is giving the situation that threatens the public safety top priority, such as live downed wires. The repair priority is based on what will restore power to the largest number of customers more quickly, such as transmission lines or feeder lines that serve large amounts of customers.

If spotted any downed lines or notice a national gas leak, Xcel Energy said to call 1-800-895-1999 or call 911 to report an emergency.

Xcel Energy also recommends assembling an easily accessible kit that can be used in the event of a power outage. The items include:

• Xcel Energy phone numbers – 1-800-895-1999 for residential or 1-800-481-4700 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)

To know more information regarding the power outage and emergencies, click here.