“We need those in Becker, Big Lake, Chisago City, Lindstrom,
Princeton, and Isanti to reduce use of natural gas. Until further
notice, you are urged to turn down your thermostat to 60 degrees or
lower and avoid the use of other natural gas appliances including hot
water,” Xcel Energy said. WCCO’s Reg Chapman said shortly before noon Wednesday that Xcel Energy is asking customers to lower thermostat to 55 degrees. Xcel Energy says residents’ cooperation is critical to prevent
widespread natural gas outages. The company also suggests using electric
space heaters.
Increasing amounts of natural gas are fueling electricity generation in the state. In 2016, about one-seventh of the natural gas consumed in Minnesota went to the electric power sector, more than double the amount of natural gas used for electricity generation in 2011.
