Xcel Energy Asks Some Customers to Turn Down Thermostat

They did not Know how Many Customers are Affected

MINNEAPOLIS – Xcel Energy says the extreme cold has caused some customers to lose natural gas service in the Princeton area and has the utility issuing an appeal to other customers to turn down their thermostats.

Utility spokesman Matt Lindstrom says about 150 customers lost heat as temperatures dipped into the negative 20 range Tuesday night. Lindstrom says the weather is causing a strain on Xcel’s natural gas system, but he could not immediately explain how.

Those affected were given hotel rooms for the night as the utility worked to restore natural gas service.

Xcel is asking customers in the area of Becker, Big Lake, Princeton and Chisago City to turn down their thermostats to 60 degrees or lower. Lindstrom did not immediately know how many customers are affected by the request.