UPDATE - 4/13/22 9:30 a.m. CDT
OFFICE CLOSURE | McKenzie Electric’s office will be closed today April 13, and tomorrow April 14. Line crews will still be on standby and ready to restore outages if it is safe to do so.
If You Experience An Outage
Report the outage through your SmartHub app or by calling 701-444-9288 or 800-584-9239.
Don't have a SmartHub account? Register here with your account number SmartHub Registration
Already have an account? Sign in on our homepage of the website. You can also download the app through your mobile device through your preferred app store.
Our line crews will be standing by to restore outages as quickly and safely as possible. In the instance where travel and visibility is limited, it may take them longer to reach the site of the outage. Please have patience and know that every outage call is important to us. Below are some tips for winter preparation and safety:
Winter Preparation
While we don't expect to have prolonged system-wide outages, make sure you have these items on hand: water (one gallon per person per day, for several days), food (three-day supply of non-perishables), flashlights, First Aid Kit/prescriptions, extra batteries/wireless phone chargers, manual can opener, extra blankets, moist towelettes, extra pet food (if applicable).
If temperatures remain below freezing for several days, be prepared for frozen pipes. Try these measures to prevent freezing:
1. Keep garage doors closed if you have water supply lines in the garage.
2. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing.
3. Let cold water drip slowly from faucets served by exposed pipes.
If your pipes burst or you suspect freezing and want to avoid potential interior damage, be prepared to shut off your main water valve, which is typically located on the perimeter of your home. You will likely need a water shutoff wrench to do this. Know where and how to shut off your water main (before the storm!) so you can avoid unnecessary flooding in your home.
Retain indoor heat as long as possible. Do not open exterior doors unless absolutely necessary, and keep all blinds and curtains closed to preserve heat. Shield windows with additional coverings at night, like tacking a lightweight blanket to block cold air.
Take it from our crews and first responders, the roads can get pretty rough in the blink of an eye. Please do not drive unless it’s a life-threatening situation and absolutely necessary.
Electrical Safety During A Winter Storm
Always assume a downed power line is energized. If you encounter a downed line while driving, please stay back. Turn around and find an alternative route.
We know there will be a lot of snow to shovel out there. Please do not pile snow on or around any pad-mounted transformers. Our crews may need to access these transformers as they work to restore power.
Please keep an eye on our website, and social media channels for storm updates and outage information. Stay safe out there!