Follow tips to stay safe and be prepared for winter weather
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. – (March 13, 2026) —Xcel Energy continues to monitor and prepare for possible power outages due to high winds and snow across the Upper Midwest over the next few days. In addition to the wind today, forecasts show potential for heavy snow and wind Saturday through Monday morning in northwestern Wisconsin. As of this morning, around 1,200 customers have experienced outages due to wind conditions primarily in the Menomonie area.
Xcel Energy plans ahead to ensure it can provide customers with safe, reliable and affordable electricity and natural gas throughout the winter, including maintaining a diverse energy mix of wind, solar, nuclear, natural gas and coal generation in the Upper Midwest. The company is also offering tips to help customers stay safe and save energy through the winter weather. As the system moves through, outages can be monitored on our website at: Xcel Energy Outage Map.
How customers can prepare, stay safe
· Keep natural gas meters clear to avoid a dangerous buildup of pressure in gas lines and prevent gas from leaking inside the home. Gently remove accumulated snow or ice by hand and clear a path to the meter for easy access in an emergency.
· Use space heaters carefully to prevent fires. Read all instructions and warning labels and verify that the heater is listed by a recognized testing laboratory. Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs and connections and avoid using those that have frayed, worn or damaged components. Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when leaving a room and when going to sleep.
· Maintain healthy air quality indoors by using a range hood for ventilation when cooking with an electric or natural gas appliance. Install detectors for carbon monoxide, which is odorless, colorless and tasteless, but very toxic. Move outside and call for medical help if experiencing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, ringing in the ears and lethargy.
· Stay away from downed or sagging power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one that is on the ground, is energized and dangerous. Never touch or move a downed power line; instead, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.
· Build a home emergency kit to use in the event of a power outage, with items such as:
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 Backup 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)
Find energy savings tips or learn the programs, incentives and rebates customers can take advantage of when making energy efficiency upgrades to their homes and businesses. Xcel Energy encourages customers who are having trouble paying their energy bills to reach out to learn about payment plans or energy assistance programs.
