This post contains outdated information and is kept for archived purposes only.

UPDATE: Crews are working to restore the last couple dozen out of power as of about 8 a.m. this morning.

 

FARMINGTON, Minn. (12:30 a.m., Feb. 21, 2014) — As of 12:30 a.m., Dakota Electric Association had approximately 400 consumers without power. Dakota Electric crews will be working through the night to restore those out of power, but due to the weather conditions and treacherous roads, restoration is expected to take longer than normal. Those out of power should be prepared for an outage lasting through the night and into the day on Friday.

Many of the outages are caused by extremely heavy wet snow that is toppling trees and busting branches, causing them to fall onto power lines. The outages are scattered around the service territory and each outage is typically a small number of consumers, which means crews have to do significant work to restore even a few homes at a time. 
Crews are working as safely and quickly as the can to restore power to everyone experiencing an outage. Dakota Electric thanks everyone for extra patience during this outage. 
The public is reminded to stay away from downed power lines, and always assume they are live. Members should call Dakota Electric’s outage line (651-463-6201) to report an outage or if they see downed power lines. 
During a winter outage:
– Be sure you have called Dakota Electric’s outage line to report your outage: 651-463-6201.
– Close off rooms that are not being used.
– Use caution when using alternative heating, lighting and cooking sources that may increase the risk of a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for operation.
– Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines when using a generator. Improper use can present an electrocution risk to utility works or neighbors. Always use outdoors, away from windows and doors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. 
– If the house is getting too cold, seek shelter with others. Let faucets drip to keep pipes from freezing.