Emergency Power Shutoffs
Wildfire safety message
Minnesota Power is working directly with Lake County and St. Louis County authorities regarding the wildfire situation in northern Minnesota. If evacuation orders near the wildfires change from “Set” to “Go,” Minnesota Power will temporarily shut off electric service to customers only in the affected areas once respective county officials notify us that the area has been evacuated. A preemptive emergency power shutoff is necessary as energized powerlines can hinder firefighting efforts and pose risks to emergency responders and the public.
We may shut off power to areas during wildfires to protect firefighters and ensure public safety.
These temporary shutoffs are meant to free up firefighters to do their job without worrying about the hazards of energized power lines, to reduce the risk of exacerbating emergency situations, and to keep the public safe.
We will make every effort to communicate with customers before any emergency power shutoffs, however some emergency situations arise or evolve rapidly and may require a quick decision that prevents early notifications.
We work in close coordination with emergency response officials to evaluate the need for an emergency power shutoff.
Following an emergency power shutoff, restoration can take multiple days after wildfire risks have subsided and damage to equipment is assessed and repaired. Minnesota Power will update customers as the situation evolves through its mobile outage app and website www.mnpower.com.
To ensure your safety and that of our crews working to restore power, please follow this guide regarding generator safety. mnpower.com/generatorsafety
Prepare if notified
- Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
- Disconnect appliances and electronic devices to prevent damage from power surges.
- Use alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or power-dependent medical devices.
- For a prolonged power outage and/or evacuation, remove food from freezers and refrigerators.
Learn more at mnpower.com/BePrepared.
For the latest information on the wildfires in northeastern Minnesota and evacuation status, go to https://www.stlouiscountymn.gov/.
If this is an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Having trouble with outage reporting on the web? We are ready for your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-30-POWER (307-6937).
