PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR SPRING STORM SEASON WITH TIPS FROM XCEL ENERGY
As the region approaches its peak storm season, Xcel Energy is reminding Texas and New Mexico customers how to prepare for possible electricity outages. Xcel Energy provides customers several ways to communicate with the company during outage events. An outage map is available at xcelenergy.com that shows where outages are occurring, how many customers are affected and when power is expected to be restored.
“We continue to strengthen the power grid that serves our area to make it more resilient in the face of high winds and lightning, but outages do happen. Now is a good time for customers to think about how they will manage if a storm disrupts their power service,” said Brad Baldridge, director of Customer and Community Relations for Xcel Energy in New Mexico and Texas.
Xcel Energy provides customers several ways to communicate with the company during outage events. An outage map is available at xcelenergy.com that shows where outages are occurring, how many customers are affected and when power is expected to be restored. Customers may also sign up for the “My Account” feature to report outages online and receive email, text or voice message updates on power restoration times.
Customers may also call an Xcel Energy customer agent at 1-800-895-1999 to report outages or downed lines. While most outages are restored within a couple of hours, extreme weather events can disrupt service for extended periods.
Though these events are uncommon, customers should still be prepared by:
- Having an evacuation plan in the event of long-term outages, especially if caring for disabled family members or small children
- Stockpiling nonperishable food items and bottled water
- Checking batteries in flashlights
- Be prepared, stay safe, when severe weather strikes
Outages caused by spring storms can also present hazards to Xcel Energy employees and the public. Customers should always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Customers should never touch or move a downed power line. After a storm moves through, customers are also reminded to check for damage to the electric service mast to their home.
The mast and meter box are customer-owned facilities, and if damaged, a licensed electrician must make repairs before service can be restored. More information on storm restoration can be found at xcelenergy.com.
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