Wright County motels and hotels are opening doors to Princeton area residents after Xcel Energy reported a gas shortage left dozens in that community without service.
In addition, Xcel is asking customers in outstate Minnesota to conserve by reducing thermostats to 63 degrees tonight until about 9 a.m. Thursday morning, as a second straight night of record-setting cold settles into the area.
(Editor’s note: Most Wright County gas customers are CenterPoint clients, which is not connected to Xcel gas services.)
Here’s the complete update from Xcel:
Your safety and the safety of your family is always our top priority. During this extremely cold weather, we are asking our Minnesota customers to help conserve natural gas so the system can continue to operate well for our customers throughout the state. One way customers can help is by temporarily reducing your thermostat setting to 63 degrees if possible through Thursday morning (9 a.m. or later). This step can help ensure that all of our customers continue to have gas service during this bitterly cold weather.
As an important safety reminder, if you ever detect a sulfur or rotten egg smell inside or near your home, it could be the odorant that we put in natural gas to help detect leaks. If you notice that smell, leave your home immediately. Do not turn any electrical devices on or off, do not use a garage door opener, and never use any phone until you are outside and away, then call us at 1-800-895-2999. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
We thank you in advance for your gas conservation efforts.
For some customers in the Princeton area, the extremely cold temperatures have led to a loss of natural gas service. Your safety and the safety of your family is our top priority. Because of the extreme cold, we have arranged hotel rooms for you while our crews work to restore the outage, which may extend until Thursday, Jan. 31. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this difficult situation, and we’re here to help.
Hotel rooms are reserved and will be paid for by Xcel Energy, so there is no cost to you. They are available at:
- AmericInn, 910 Rum River Road, Princeton 763-389-9312 – FULLY BOOKED
- Country Inn, 18894 Dodge Street Northwest, Elk River 763-241-6990
- Super 8, 21130 134th Ave N, Rogers 763-333-0253
- America Best Value, 16776 198th Ave, Big Lake 763-262-7666
- Best Western, 89 Chelsea Rd, Monticello 763-271-8880
- Rum River Motel, 510 19th Ave N, Princeton 763-389-3120
To minimize the risk of frozen pipes, before you leave your home, please leave your faucets running at a trickle, leave your cabinet doors open and all your doors and windows closed to keep heat inside.
Xcel Energy representatives will be available at the AmericInn in Princeton. They can assist with winterization arrangements to protect the plumbing in your home, and they will also have the latest details on restoration progress.