DULUTH — As firefighters and other emergency crews work to contain the wildfires in northeastern Minnesota, Minnesota Power is taking measures to protect public safety.
Minnesota Power advises customers in Hoyt Lakes and surrounding areas that the company may shut off electric service to the impacted areas if evacuation orders are issued. The company says a proactive emergency power shutoff may be necessary as energized power lines can hinder firefighting efforts and endanger public safety.
Minnesota Power is working closely with community officials, emergency management, the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department and the Eastern Area Complex Incident Management Team directing the response to the wildfires.
This emergency power shutoff is an important tool in keeping people safe. Following an emergency power shutoff, restoration can take multiple days after wildfire risks have subsided and damage to equipment is accessed and repaired.
Minnesota Power will update customers as the situation evolves through its mobile outage app and website.
Customers are advised to prepare for a power outage. Here are some tips:
. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed.
. Disconnect appliances and electronics to avoid damage from electrical surges.
. Use alternate plans for refrigerating medicines or power-dependent medical devices.
Go here for more information.
For more information about emergency power shutoffs, visit here.
Minnesota Power provides electric service within a 26,000-square-mile area in northeastern Minnesota, supporting comfort, security and quality of life for 150,000 customers, 14 municipalities and some of the largest industrial customers in the United States.
ALLETE, Inc. is an energy company headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota. In addition to its electric utilities, Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power of Wisconsin, ALLETE owns ALLETE Clean Energy, based in Duluth; BNI Energy in Bismarck, N.D.; and New Energy Equity, headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland; and has an 8% equity interest in the American Transmission Co. More information about ALLETE is available here.
