Xcel Energy Urges Some Customers To Reduce Natural Gas Use

MINNESOTA — Xcel Energy is asking customers in several Minnesota cities to reduce use their of natural gas. "We are experiencing a significant strain on our natural gas system due to extreme weather conditions," the utility said in a statement Wednesday morning.

"We need those in Becker, Big Lake, Chisago City, Lindstrom, Princeton, and Isanti to reduce use of natural gas. Until further notice, you are urged to turn down your thermostat to 60 degrees or lower and avoid the use of other natural gas appliances including hot water. Your cooperation is critical to try to prevent widespread natural gas outages."

• Minnesota Weather: Wind Chills Around -60 Wednesday

Xcel is recommending using electric space heaters to keep homes warm.

Xcel is also reminding residents that if you ever detect a sulfur or rotten egg smell inside or near your home, it could be the odorant that we put in natural gas to help detect leaks. If you notice that smell, leave the house immediately:

Do not turn any electrical devices on or off, do not use a garage door opener, and never use any phone until you are outside and away, then call us at 1-800-895-2999.

In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you in advance for your gas conservation efforts.

Princeton, MN Customers

Xcel Energy says an interruption in its natural gas system occurred on Tuesday, Jan. 29 around 10:30 p.m. in Princeton. To secure a hotel room, contact one of these hotels listed below (all rooms booked under Xcel Energy):

• AmericanInn, 910 Run River Road, Princeton (34) 1-763-389-9312
• CountyInn, 18894 Dodge Street Northwest, Elk River (28) 1-763-241-6990
• Super 8, 21130 134th Ave N, Rodgers (25) 1-763-333-0253
• America Best Value, 16776 198th Ave, Big Lake, MN (17) 1-763-262-7666
• Best Western, 89 Chelsea Rd, Monticello, MN (20) 1-763-271-8880
• Run River Motel, 510 19th Ave N, Princeton, MN (11) 1-763-389-3120

Before you leave your home, Xcel Energy asks that you leave your faucets running at a trickle, leave your cabinet doors open and all your doors and windows closed to retain heat.

"We will be contacting licensed plumbers to protect the plumbing while we restore service," the utility stated.

"We’ve established a command center at the AmericInn in Princeton. Representatives will be available by 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday to assist with winterization arrangements and will have the latest details on restoration progress. They will also provide you with contact information to help ensure that you stay informed."

South Twin Cities Metro Outage Alert

Xcel Energy crews have responded to reported outages in the south metro and "are working as quickly and safely as possible to get the power restored." Report an outage here.

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