Xcel power outages have impacted thousands of Americans in 2025, from storm-driven disruptions in Minnesota to wind-related blackouts in Texas. As of July 28, 2025, Xcel Energy reported 10,380 active outages across 178 counties in 10 states, affecting 0.2% of its 5.4 million customers, with Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, hit hardest at 2,710 outages, per usoutage.com. For U.S. residents in Xcel’s service areas—Minnesota, Texas, Colorado, and beyond—staying informed and prepared is crucial. Here’s the latest on Xcel power outages, what’s causing them, and practical tips to keep your home powered during disruptions.
Recent Xcel Power Outages: What’s Happening in 2025?
Xcel Energy, a major utility serving eight states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico), has faced significant outages in 2025, driven by weather events and infrastructure challenges. Here’s a snapshot of key incidents, based on reliable sources:
- July 28, 2025 – Nationwide Impact: Xcel reported 10,380 outages across 178 counties, with Kandiyohi, Minnesota, seeing 2,710 customers without power. This ranked Xcel #1 nationally for total outages, though only 0.2% of its 5.4 million customers were affected, per usoutage.com. Storms were cited as the primary cause, with Xcel crews working to restore power, per @XcelEnergyMN on X.usoutage.com
- July 16, 2025 – Peak Outages: Xcel had 7,255 customers without power (0.18% of 3.9 million tracked), with Hennepin County, Minnesota, reporting 5,078 outages. Alamosa County, Colorado, had the highest outage percentage at 5.18%. Over 72 hours, outages peaked at 12,541, per findenergy.com.findenergy.com
- July 10, 2025 – Southwest Amarillo, Texas: Over 1,500 customers lost power, dropping to 100 by 8 p.m., with restoration estimated by 10:45 p.m., per myhighplains.com. The cause wasn’t specified, but wind was a recurring factor in Texas outages.myhighplains.com
- June 24, 2025 – Dakota County, Minnesota: A storm knocked out power for 6,300 customers in Apple Valley, Eagan, Rosemount, and Farmington, with some areas served by Dakota Electric, per Reddit’s r/TwinCities. Restoration times varied.reddit.com
- March 14, 2025 – Texas Panhandle and New Mexico: High winds caused outages for 65,000 customers, peaking at 68,000. By March 15, 90% were restored, with Amarillo, Pampa, and Borger facing delays until March 16–17 due to widespread storm damage, per myhighplains.com. Xcel used drones and helicopters for repairs.myhighplains.com
X posts reflect frustration, with users like @Protocol_Ben noting payment reminders during outages and @jeremymunson reporting a smart meter fire, though such claims are inconclusive without verification. Xcel’s proactive response, like Public Safety Power Shutoffs during March windstorms (@xcelenergy), shows efforts to mitigate risks.
What Causes Xcel Power Outages?
Outages in Xcel’s service areas stem from various factors:
- Severe Weather: Storms in Minnesota (July 28) and high winds in Texas (March 14) are primary culprits, damaging power lines and substations.myhighplains.comusoutage.com
- Infrastructure Issues: Substation failures, like the June 20 outage in Amarillo affecting 5,671 customers, or smart meter malfunctions (per @jeremymunson, unverified), can disrupt service.myhighplains.com
- Wildfire Prevention: Xcel’s March 2025 shutoffs in Texas and New Mexico aimed to reduce wildfire risks during windstorms, per @xcelenergy.
- Demand Spikes: Extreme heat or cold can strain the grid, though less common in 2025 reports.
Xcel’s outage map (outagemap-xcelenergy.com) uses a color-coded system to show outage severity, updated every few minutes, helping customers track disruptions.naturesgenerator.com
Affected Areas in 2025
Xcel Energy serves 5.4 million customers across eight states, with outages concentrated in:
- Minnesota: Hennepin (5,078 outages, July 16), Kandiyohi (2,710, July 28), and Dakota County (6,300, June 24) saw significant impacts. Twin Cities outages, including Xcel Energy Center, were reported July 28, per @StarTribune.findenergy.comusoutage.comreddit.com
- Texas: Amarillo faced multiple outages (1,500 on July 10, 65,000 on March 14), with rural areas like Pampa and Borger delayed due to storm damage.myhighplains.commyhighplains.com
- Colorado: Alamosa County had the highest outage percentage (5.18%, July 16), though total numbers were lower.findenergy.com
- New Mexico: Wind-driven outages affected thousands alongside Texas in March, restored by March 15.myhighplains.com
Less frequent outages were reported in Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, and South Dakota, per usoutage.com
How to Stay Informed and Report Outages
Xcel Energy offers multiple ways to track and report outages:
- Outage Map: Visit outagemap-xcelenergy.com or the Xcel Energy app (iOS/Android) for real-time updates, including restoration times and affected customers. Enter your ZIP code for local data.naturesgenerator.com
- Online Reporting: Use xcelenergy.com’s “Report Outage” form or call 1-800-895-4999 for emergencies.xcelenergy.com
- Mobile App: Report outages and track progress directly from your phone, per bluettipower.com.bluettipower.com
- Social Media: Contact @XcelEnergyMN or @xcelenergy on X or Facebook, though responses may take up to 24 hours.bluettipower.com
- Phone: Call 888-777-4556 for direct support, providing your address and contact details.bluettipower.com
If your outage isn’t on the map, report it to ensure Xcel responds quickly, per naturesgenerator.com.naturesgenerator.com
Tips for U.S. Residents During Xcel Power Outages
Power outages can disrupt daily life, but preparation helps. Here’s how to stay safe and comfortable:
- Check the Outage Map: Monitor outagemap-xcelenergy.com for restoration estimates to plan your day.outagemap-xcelenergy.com
- Stock Essentials: Keep flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, and water on hand. Charge devices before storms hit.
- Use Backup Power: Portable power stations like Bluetti AC300 (3,072Wh capacity) can run essentials like phones or fridges, per bluettipower.com.bluettipower.com
- Stay Safe: Avoid downed power lines and report them to 1-800-895-1999 or 911. Never use generators indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, per XcelEnergyMN.
- Preserve Food: Keep fridge and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures for up to 24–48 hours, per CDC.gov.
- Cool or Warm Alternatives: Visit cooling centers during heatwaves or use battery-powered fans. In winter, layer clothing and avoid open flames for heat.
Why Xcel Power Outages Matter in 2025
With 10,380 outages reported on July 28 alone, Xcel Energy’s disruptions affect homes, businesses, and critical facilities like Sanford Main Hospital in Sioux Falls, which relied on backup generators, per @TeaStormChaser. Weather-driven outages, like Minnesota’s storms or Texas’ windstorms, highlight the grid’s vulnerability to climate challenges. For Americans in Xcel’s service areas, staying informed via the outage map and preparing with backup solutions is essential for safety and convenience.usoutage.com
Conclusion: Stay Powered Through Xcel Outages
Xcel power outages in 2025, from Minnesota’s storm-hit counties to Texas’ wind-damaged lines, underscore the need for preparedness. With 10,380 customers affected as of July 28, tools like Xcel’s outage map and tips like using portable power stations keep you in control. Whether you’re in Amarillo or Kandiyohi, stay safe and informed. Have an outage story or prep tip? Share in the comments and subscribe for more U.S.-focused utility and safety guides!
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