Xcel: Most power restored in Grand Forks; customers asked to conserve

GRAND FORKS, N.D.. - Xcel Energy has restored power in Grand Forks to all but three businesses after an early morning failure of one of the city's two substations.

The company is serving the whole city from the other substation, and company officials said the situation remains serious.

"We are bringing a mobile transformer and crews from the Twin Cities area to make necessary repairs," said Mark Nisbet, North Dakota principal manager for Xcel Energy. "Currently, we are monitoring our equipment closely to prevent it from being overloaded."

Nisbet said it's important that each customer conserve as much electricity as possible until further notice, thanking them for their cooperation. He said Xcel crews would work through the night on the problem. The system should be at full capacity by morning, Nisbet said.

Any customers remaining without service should call (800) 895-1999.

Here are some ways to help conserve electricity:

-- Use only necessary lights and turn them off when you leave a room.

-- Turn off television sets and computers.

-- Use fewer electrical appliances whenever possible.

-- Set your electric heating system's setting down a few degrees.

-- Delay washing clothes and using your dishwasher.

-- Consider serving cold sandwiches or a salad for supper.

Businesses and institutions can help by turning off overhead lights in buildings and working by task lights only and turning off heat pumps or turning down electric heat.

Customers on the company's Electric Reduction Savings programs were contacted this morning to control their energy use.