Connexus Energy restores power following severe summer storm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 16, 2024

Ramsey, Minn. — A severe thunderstorm with strong winds and large hail rolled through the north metro and central Minnesota communities served by Connexus Energy, damaging trees and property and causing power outages beginning just before midnight on Sunday, July 14.

To restore power on a major event day like this – with nearly 5,000 members without power due to 200 separate outages at the worst point at 1:47 a.m. Sunday – Connexus dispatched all available Connexus line crews; five guest line crews from East Central Energy, Elk River Municipal Utilities and Brink Constructors, Inc.; and two tree crews from Asplundh to clear lines and restore power as safely and efficiently as possible.

Crews worked throughout the nighttime storm and in the heat and humidity throughout the daytime hours to repair downed power lines and replace broken equipment to restore service. Large, downed trees impacting backlot power lines were difficult to access, requiring the use of specialized equipment. Power in these areas took the longest to restore. As of 1 a.m. Monday morning the last service was restored.

"We appreciate our members for informing us about their outages and for their patience as our crews worked to restore power,” said Nick Loehlein, vice president of electric operations. The easiest way to report an outage is by using the Connexus Energy mobile app or by signing into members’ Connexus account. Alternatively, members can call Connexus to report an outage. On Sunday, additional member services, system operations and back-office support employees helped answer member phone calls and provide information to members.

Connexus sends automated messages to the more than 90,500 members who have online accounts to alert them of possible power outages impacting their homes or businesses. Connexus posts updates on their website, as well as social media, throughout the day during large outages. The outage center on Connexus’ website has links to the outage map, outage reporting, outage preparation information, outage FAQs and signing up for outage alerts.

On average, more than 145,000 Connexus members only experience one unplanned outage every three years. Storms and vegetation account for 43% of unplanned outages for Connexus members. The public (car accidents, digging into lines, etc.), wildlife and equipment issues account for the remaining unplanned outages.

About Connexus Energy

Founded in 1937 as one of the nation’s first 100 electric cooperatives, Connexus Energy is the Midwest's largest consumer-owned electric cooperative and has been nationally recognized for its “perfect power” service reliability, grid innovation and solar land-use practices. Fast Company named Connexus to its list of 2024’s Most Innovative Companies.

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