Xcel Energy: Weather Contributing To Increase in Power Outages
If it seems like power outages are growing… you’d be right.
According to Xcel Energy, power outages averaged about 170 minutes per Minnesota customer two years ago.
That increased last year to more than 300 minutes.
Crystal Mayor Julie Deshler says she’s also received a lot of complaints about power outages this summer.
“There’s been a large number of residences and a couple of businesses that have reached out to council members and myself about the increase in power outages to the community,” said Deshler.
And when you are mayor of a city, a citizen’s problem is your problem.
“I worry about the expense of groceries and possibly spoiling, and then just not being able to watch television or be connected to what’s going on in the community when you don’t have power,” said Deshler. “It does bother me.”
Xcel Energy is aware of the problem, too.
“There’s been a dramatic increase in power outages in this northwestern part of the metro,” said Jason Strand, Xcel Energy’s director of distribution operations.
Strand met with CCX News during a project in Plymouth. He indicated weather is a factor.
“Our numbers show that is drastically because the weather impacts we have.”
Crews have doubled inspections of power line poles and electric equipment, replacing old, worn-out parts when needed with new ones.
Crews with Xcel Energy remove old power line.
Xcel Energy is also ramping up its tree cutting, especially in troublesome areas.
“Power lines and trees don’t mix well together. Anytime we have trees that are encroaching upon the conductors on the poles and if they touch and there’s moisture, or if they touch in general, they can trip, blow a fuse. They can trip a recloser,” said Strand.
In Crystal, crews have about 85 percent of the scheduled tree trimming completed, which should help make a difference.
“I’m hopeful with those projects that things will get a little bit better for Crystal, for residents, and businesses,” said Deshler, who personally met with Xcel Energy.
Deshler said she’s pleased with the progress being made so far.
“It made me feel more comfortable that the residents and the businesses aren’t being forgotten,” she said.
