Update: Dakota Electric restores power to service area
Update (Feb. 29, 3:02 p.m.): Dakota Electric spokesman Joe Miller says power has been restored.
The snowstorm might not have been as strong as weather forecasters originally predicted, but the freezing rain and wet snow still packed a punch in Dakota County, causing power outages throughout the Dakota Electric Assocation service area.
Initially, the outage affected more than 4,200 Dakota Electric customers in the utility’s service area around Dakota County. There are still about 200 outages in the system, according to a press release from Dakota Electric.
“The restoration for these outages which are scattered around the service territory will continue until completed,” the company said in a press release. “Dakota Electric’s system operations estimates that all power should be restored sometime this evening, but this estimate is dependent upon weather and other factors.”
The remaining outages could take more time to restore because many are singular residences that require tree clearing before power can be restored.
“Also, members are reminded that if the electric mast on the house is damaged, they must have an electrician make repairs before power can be restored,” the company said.
If people encounter downed power lines, Dakota Electric said they should call the non-profit utility at 651-463-6201 to report the situation.
“Dakota Electric crews will continue to repair outages until all power is restored,” said spokesperson Joe Miller. “We thank our members for their patience during this severe weather event.”
-Aaron Vehling, Thisweek Newspapers
