Residents may notice crews working around utility poles in neighborhoods and along roadways from now through October. Xcel Energy is conducting routine inspections of wooden electric utility poles as part of its ongoing maintenance program.

In 2026, more than 85,000 poles across Minnesota will be tested, including both neighborhood distribution poles and larger transmission poles.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Contract crews will be working in public rights-of-way and, in some cases, on private property where poles are located. The inspection process includes:

• Hand-digging around the base of the pole (about 18 inches deep) to check for damage
• Tapping the pole with a hammer to detect internal issues
• Drilling small inspection holes to assess internal condition
• Reviewing overhead equipment for general safety

Crews will restore any disturbed areas and plug all inspection holes before leaving.

WHO IS DOING THE WORK?
Xcel Energy contractors, including Davey Resource Group and Osmose, will perform the inspections. All workers will carry identification and use vehicles marked with the Xcel Energy logo.

NOTIFICATIONS TO RESIDENTS

• Distribution poles: Residents in affected areas will receive an automated phone from Xcel call one-to-two weeks before work begins.
• Transmission poles: Postcards will be mailed to nearby property owners at the start of the project.
• Crews may leave a door hanger if they need to arrange access to a property.
  

WILL THERE BE ADDITIONAL WORK?
If a pole is found to be damaged or unsafe, a separate crew will return at a later date to complete repairs or replacement.

QUESTIONS?
Residents with questions can contact Xcel Energy’s Customer Contact Center at 800.895.4999.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is this work happening?
This is part of routine system maintenance through Xcel Energy’s pole maintenance program. Utility poles are regularly inspected to ensure they remain structurally sound and capable of safely supporting electric lines and equipment.

How long will this work be happening?
Pole inspections are expected to take place from mid-March through October, with crews moving through different areas over time.

What exactly are crews doing?
Crews are conducting a thorough inspection that includes:

• Digging around the base of the pole (approximately 18 inches deep)
• Tapping the pole with a hammer to detect internal weaknesses
• Drilling small holes to check for internal decay or damage
• Visually inspecting overhead equipment for safety

These methods help identify issues that may not be visible from the outside.

Why do they need to dig near the pole?
The area at and just below ground level is where poles are most likely to deteriorate. Excavating around the base allows crews to check for rot, decay or structural weakness at this critical point.

Will my property be damaged?
No. Crews are required to restore all disturbed areas after completing their work. This includes refilling excavated soil and ensuring the area is left in good condition.

Will my power be affected?
No outages are expected during routine inspections. If future repairs or replacements are needed, Xcel Energy will notify affected customers in advance.

How will I know if work is happening near me?
Notification depends on the type of pole. Xcel Energy will notify City staff at the same time as residents.

• Distribution poles: Residents in affected areas will receive an automated phone call one-to-two weeks before work begins.
• Transmission poles: Postcards will be mailed to nearby property owners at the start of the project.
• Crews may leave a door hanger if they need to arrange access to a property.

Who are the workers?
The work is being completed by authorized contractors on behalf of Xcel Energy. All workers:

• Carry photo identification
• Drive vehicles marked with the Xcel Energy logo

What if I’m concerned about someone on my property?
You have the right to ask for identification. If you’re unsure, contact Xcel Energy at 800. 895.4999 to verify that work is authorized.

Will crews need access to my yard?
In some cases, yes, if a utility pole is located on private property. If access is needed and not immediately available, crews will leave a door hanger with instructions on how to coordinate.

What happens if a pole needs to be replaced?
If an inspection shows that a pole is damaged or unsafe, a separate crew will return at a later date to complete repairs or replacement. Residents will receive additional communication if that work affects them.