News > Reliable Energy on the Coldest Days: We are Prepared for Extreme Weather

Reliable Energy on the Coldest Days: We are Prepared for Extreme Weather

January 22, 2026

Temperatures will plummet throughout the day today, bringing extreme cold temperatures that are expected to last throughout the weekend.

We all rely on electricity to stay warm, especially in weather like this. We want to assure you that our power grid in Minnesota is built to maintain reliability even in the most extreme weather, such as is expected this weekend.

Our distribution system is designed and maintained to operate in extreme cold. This includes cold-weather rated equipment, regular inspections of substations and lines and preventative maintenance programs to reduce the risk of weather-related outages.

Wholesale Power

Great River Energy (GRE), our wholesale power provider, generates electricity for Stearns Electric to distribute throughout our service territory. GRE’s power supply resources are built to ensure a stable power supply to meet energy demand throughout the state.

“Our portfolio of power supply resources includes significant amounts of wind power engineered for cold weather operations. And we back that up with dispatchable natural gas peaking plants to provide reliability needed for the energy demands of our membership,” Jon Brekke, Vice President and Chief Power Supply Officer at GRE, explained.

Peaking plants are designed to quickly ramp up electricity production when needed. All of Great River Energy’s peaking plants have the ability to switch from natural gas to fuel oil quickly. If natural gas supplies would become constrained, on-site fuel oil serves as reliable backup to generate electricity and keep homes safe and warm.

In preparation for the cold weather this weekend, GRE has been monitoring predicted weather conditions and tracking updates from the regional grid operator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO).

What is Stearns Electric Doing?

Stearns Electric remains committed to providing reliable energy to our members even in this cold weather.

In addition to our power supply resources, Stearns Electric invests year-round in system maintenance, vegetation management and real-time monitoring to ensure our electric grid is prepared for extreme weather. Our substations and distribution equipment are designed for cold-weather operation.

We have line crews on call 24/7 this weekend to respond to any outages, should any members experience a power outage. If you experience an outage, report it using SmartHub, by texting “OUT” to (855) 939-3705*, or by calling (800) 962-0655.

*In order to use text messaging to report an outage, you must have a SmartHub account AND text messaging must be enabled in the notification section. Additionally, only one account number can be tied to your mobile phone number.

To reduce energy demand and save on energy costs, Stearns Electric and GRE dispatch load management resources during times of peak demand. For members enrolled in EnergyWise^® load control programs such as Dual Fuel Heating and Peak Shave Water Heating, we anticipate load control events over the next several days, including the weekend. If you are enrolled in a load control program and are not signed up for notifications, please send an email to energyservices@stearnselectric.org to sign up.

What Can You Do?

Extreme weather drives overall energy demand up, which increases the overall cost of energy. You can help reduce energy use in your home by:

• Keeping curtains open during the day when the sun is warm and closing them at night to keep drafts out.
• Turning your thermostat down a few degrees.
• Keeping ceiling fans turning clockwise on low speed to recirculate the rising warm air back to your level.
• Turning electronics off when you’re not using them.
• Postponing the use of appliances like washing machines, clothes dryers and dishwashers until off-peak hours (after 10 p.m.)
• Never use grills or propane heaters indoors. Keep space heaters clear and away from flammable materials.

Extreme cold is part of life in Minnesota, and it’s something Stearns Electric plans for year-round. While we cannot control the weather, we can control how prepared we are. Our employees are ready, our system is built for these conditions, and our partners are actively monitoring the grid to ensure reliable service. Thank you for trusting Stearns Electric to keep your homes and businesses powered safely through this cold stretch.