EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (July 13, 2026) — With an Extreme Heat Warning in effect for much of western Wisconsin this week, Xcel Energy is ready to meet customers’ energy needs and maintain reliable electric service across the Upper Midwest, including western Wisconsin.
Xcel Energy maintains a diverse energy mix and robust electric system to provide customers with the safe and reliable energy they depend on during periods of extreme weather. In the event of service disruptions, restoration efforts will prioritize the largest outages first to restore power to the greatest number of customers as quickly and safely as possible.
Xcel Energy encourages customers to stay weather aware, take precautions to avoid heat-related illness and have a plan in place in case severe weather causes power outages.
Save energy and money
Cooling costs can account for half of a summertime electric bill, so the company is providing tips to customers to practice energy efficiency while staying cool:
- Installing a programmable thermostat that raises its setting when the house is empty and lowers it to a comfortable level when everyone comes home.
- Using ceiling fans to circulate cool air throughout the home.
- Opening interior doors to improve the circulation of cool air inside.
- Using a whole-house or attic fan to draw in cool nighttime air.
- Changing air conditioner filters and having air conditioner coils cleaned to improve efficiency.
- Closing drapes and blinds during the heat of the day.
- Turning off lights and electronics when they’re not in use.
- Running washing machines, clothes dryers and dishwashers with full loads and only after the heat of the day. This helps keep the house cooler and reduces strain on the electric grid.
Find more energy savings tips or learn about the programs, incentives and rebates available when making energy efficiency upgrades to 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.
Prepare and stay safe
Stay away from downed or sagging power lines and always assume an electric line, even one 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:
- Xcel Energy phone numbers: 1-800-895-1999 for residential or 1-800-481-4700 for business
- Battery-powered radio or television
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Backup 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)
Report an outage or get updates
Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. To report an outage:
- Use the Xcel Energy mobile app
- Visit www.xcelenergy.com/out
- Text OUT to 98936
- Call 1-800-895-1999 and follow the automated prompts
Customers can also access the most recent updates about an outage using the mobile app or by visiting the Outage Map, which displays the number of customers out and the anticipated restoration time if available.
