Eau Claire, Wis. (May 16, 2025) – Xcel Energy crews have made good progress in restoring power to more than 20,000 customers in northwestern Wisconsin, including the hardest hit areas in Clark, Marathon and Rusk counties, who were impacted by severe thunderstorms, strong winds and golf ball-sized hail Thursday evening and early Friday morning. The weather resulted in dozens of broken poles and downed lines and crews have worked throughout the night and day repairing and replacing equipment.
As a result of these efforts, most customers will have service restored by late Friday night. However, about 500 customers, including the entire community of Unity, will remain without electricity until late Saturday.
More than 100 crews and support staff are working as quickly and safely as possible, including additional Xcel Energy and contract crews from others areas who have been mobilized and are assisting with the restoration efforts in the impacted areas.
Xcel Energy urges safety and caution
Please use caution when traveling in affected areas and stay away from downed lines. Contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999 to report downed lines. Call 9-1-1 to report an emergency.
