Thousands Still Without Power After Weekend Storms

Residents in the metro area can expect to have their power back by Wednesday or Thursday, but those in the worst-hit areas may face a longer wait, according to utility officials. The storm caused a record 484,000 power failures, with most of the damage concentrated in the southern suburbs. Utility crews are working around the clock to restore power, but some residents may face a wait until Saturday.

Key Takeaways:

• A record 484,000 power failures were reported in the NSP's metro-area territory, with 200,000 customers affected at the peak.
• The storm was unusually wide in its impact, causing damage to a large number of customers and making repair efforts more challenging.
• Northern States Power Co. has completed 412,000 power restorations as of Monday afternoon, but some customers may face a wait until Saturday.
• Dakota Electric restored power to half of its 50,000 powerless customers within 12 hours, but the remaining 3,000 may face a longer wait.
• Utility crews are working 16 hours on, eight hours off, with some members volunteering to work longer hours.
• NSP has borrowed repair crews from neighboring utilities and electric co-ops to assist with the restoration effort.
• Some customers may be asked to curtail electric usage temporarily while repairs are being made to avoid overloading remaining circuits.

Statistics:

• 78,477 customers were still without power as of Monday at 6:30 p.m.
• 75,477 of those customers are NSP customers, while 3,000 use Dakota Electric.
• 484,000 power failures were reported in the NSP's metro-area territory.
• 200,000 customers were affected at the peak of the storm.
• 412,000 power restorations had been completed by Monday afternoon.
• 100 power poles were knocked down in the blast, requiring new poles to be ordered.
• Three major transmission lines were knocked down, including a 345 kilovolt line that won't be back in service until around June 20.

Sources:

• Northern States Power Co.
• Dakota Electric
• Spokeswoman Jane Sturges
• Director Clair Moeller
• Spokeswoman Carolyn Sampson