Date, 2024

A message from Council Member Chavez

Dear neighbor,

I am sending you an update regarding the storm last night from our Public Works Department. There are many trees and branches across the city that are blocking streets and alleys and have caused significant power outages. I am thankful to our city staff that are helping as much as they can today. 

Electricity

Public Works has a team of electricians assessing damage.  At this time, there are no reports of fallen light poles or signal poles.  Several signals are out and  they are adding temporary stop signs to as many of these locations as possible.  As Xcel restores power, electricians will verify whether there is damage to the signal then restore the signal to normal operations. Staff are in contact with Xcel Energy who shared the following.  Their press release is forthcoming.

• Stay away from downed power lines.  
• Check for damage to the electric service mast to your home. If damaged, a licensed electrician must make repairs before service can be restored.  
• Workers are available throughout our service areas, ready to respond to outages and emergencies. 
• Stay informed by checking Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and the Outages page here.
• The mobile app is also a great way to stay informed. 

Street Clearing

Street Maintenance is in the process of calling in off-duty operators to open streets or alleys.  If the trees aren’t on cars or touching electrical wires, we’ll help push them aside and MPRB will remove. I do not know what this means fully yet as LIUNA workers are on strike since they do not have a fair contract from the Park Board. 

Next steps

Please submit concerns to 311.  311 calls are rolling right to our Streets desk right now and this is the best way to get important information to our teams in the field. Feel free to email me for anything else as well.

Public Works will continue to coordinate with Xcel and MPRB this week to support cleanup and restoration of services. 

Jason Chavez

Xcel Energy Press Release

Xcel Energy crews working to restore power after strong storms overnight in Twin Cities Metro

Company mobilizing field crews to get power back on for customers affected

MINNEAPOLIS (July 14, 2024) — Xcel Energy crews are working to assess damage and safely restore power to about 75,000 customers as quickly as possible after storms brought heavy rain, lightning and straight-line winds overnight in the Twin Cities Metro area.

About 500 Xcel Energy team members and another 750 from the company’s partners will be in the field working to restore power. Most of the outages are in the West Metro, with a smaller number elsewhere around the metro area and western Wisconsin.

Customers and members of the media checking Xcel Energy’s online outage map should be aware that the map is currently showing a higher number of outages than is accurate. The correct number as of this morning is about 75,000.

Xcel Energy anticipates restoring most customers’ power by Monday night, though work will continue into Tuesday. Sunday’s weather forecast calls for hot and humid conditions, with another round of storms possible Sunday evening. The company has put operational plans in place to ensure employees are available to respond to outages while staying safe in the heat.

Report your outage

Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Customers have several ways to report outages:

• Through the My Xcel Energy mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and through Google Play.
• Online here. 
• Via text by texting ‘OUT’ to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number to check the status of a power outage.
• By calling 1-800-895-1999 and following the prompts—the automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds. Once the cause of the problem is identified, the system or an Xcel Energy representative will provide customers with an estimated restoration time when available.

Stay informed about outages  

When outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most recent updates about their power restoration. Customers can stay informed by using the My Xcel Energy mobile app or by visiting the Xcel Energy website. The website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and anticipated time for restoration when available.

Other ways customers can prepare and stay safe ahead of future storms

• Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.
• Build a home emergency kit. Xcel Energy recommends assembling an easily accessible kit that can be used in the event of a power outage. Useful items may 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) 
• Observe food safety. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food safety is directly related to the temperature of the food. To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures, keep doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for approximately two days and a half-full freezer approximately one day. Visit the USDA website for more information.
• Additional tips are available on our Outage Checklist. 

Contact the Ward 9 Office

Email: jason.chavez@minneapolismn.gov
Phone: 612-673-2209

We've moved while work is being done in City Hall. Our office is in:

Room 100, Public Service Center
450 South 4th St.
Get directions

For reasonable accommodations or alternative format please contact 311. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to call 311 at 612-673-3000. TTY users call 612-263-6850. Para ayuda, llame al 311. Rau kev pab, hu 311. Hadii aad caawimaad u baahantahay, wac 311.