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John Enger

Thousands still without power following Sunday morning storm

Tree down at E. 56th and S. 21st, Minneapolis
Tree down at E. 56th and S. 21st, Minneapolis on Sunday, June 11, 2017.
Sam Choo | MPR News

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Updated: 12:34 p.m. | Posted: 10:39 a.m.

As of noon Monday, power is still out for 15,000 customers in the west metro area after a line of strong thunderstorms swept across the region.

Xcel Energy said power should be restored to about 10,000 of those customers by the end of the day, with the remaining 5,000 reconnected sometime Tuesday.

The Sunday morning storms brought 60 mph gusts in some areas according to the National Weather Service, dropping trees and power lines.

Xcel Energy spokesman Matt Lindstrom said 165,000 Xcel customers lost power in the wake of the storm. By Monday morning, 90 percent of the outages were restored.

"We had 500 technicians working to get the power back on," he said. "Today we have 500 more coming in from other states."

Even with the extra help, Lindstrom said some customers won't get power until Wednesday.

The Minnesota Commerce Department on Monday urged homeowners dealing with storm damage to be vigilant as they work to hire crews and make repairs.

Minnesotans have the right to choose which contractor will do the work, and "once your insurance claim is processed, get estimates from local contractors known to you or recommended by someone you trust," officials said.

The agency laid out these tips:

• Avoid "storm chaser" contractors from out of town who go door to door. Ask contractors for references and proof of workers compensation insurance. Check their license status and any disciplinary actions at the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry website.

• Insist on detailed, written estimates for repairs. Avoid high-pressure sales tactics. Some scammers will try to trick you into signing a contract by saying it is an estimate. Your signature is not required to receive an estimate.

• Prepare a written contract agreement with anyone you hire. It should specify the work to be done, the materials to be used and the price breakdown for both labor and materials. Do not pay the whole repair bill in advance. Pay in full only when the work is completed according to your agreement.