Xcel natural gas pipeline rupture update

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Xcel Energy continues to ask 100,000 of its customers in North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin to reduce their natural gas usage

because of a pipeline rupture in Canada.  Two other lines were taken out of service to be examined for possible damage from the explosion early Saturday.

The Minneapolis-based company is asking residential customers who use natural gas to heat their homes to turn their thermostats down to 60 and avoid using natural gas appliances. Businesses that use natural gas also are asked to conserve.

The three lines provide the main supply of natural gas to Xcel Energy customers in eastern North Dakota, northwestern and parts of central Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Xcel Energy continues to receive natural gas supply to serve customers in and around Fargo and Grand Forks in North Dakota; East Grand Forks, Moorhead and Brainerd in Minnesota; and communities in west-central Wisconsin, including the Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and Menomonie areas, from alternate routes from Michigan and from the Twin Cities area.

Xcel says the bitterly cold weather is also putting capacity pressure on those systems.
Updates will be posted on Xcel Energy’s website