MG&E: Power outages could last until Wednesday for some customers

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Madison Gas & Electric crews worked through the night to restore electricity to thousands of the city’s residents and businesses after Monday’s storms toppled trees and power lines, leaving large swaths stretching from Middleton to the Isthmus in the dark.

In a Tuesday afternoon update, the utility reported the storms caused approximately 250 separate outages across the region leaving over 5,400 customers in the dark. The utility company warned that due to the high volume of incidents some customers may still be without power into Wednesday. MGE says crews are responding to over 250 separate outage incidents.

As of 5 a.m. Tuesday, MGE restored service to about 16,000 customers, or 75% of the customers impacted. At one point on Monday evening, the utility reported the storms caused approximately 230 separate outages across the region. The scores of outages knocked out power for about 21,000 of its customers.

According to the update, mutual assistance crews from around the area will join MGE crews starting daybreak on Tuesday as part of restoration efforts.

While the bulk of its customers who lost electricity lived in Middleton or western Madison, a few hundred more in Monona also lost power. It is worth noting that outage maps counts tend to go by customers, which means the number of people who are left in the dark is usually notably higher.

Finally, with so many power lines down, the company reminded people how dangerous they can be and urged them to stay away from them. Those who see a downed line should call 608-252-7111.

With dangerously hot temperatures expected on Tuesday, there are some cooling centers were those affected can seek relief from the heat. The American Red Cross has opened a temporary shelter for people affected at 1701 Wright Street at Madison College. There will be a comfortable place with power, water, food and other essentials for anyone displaced.

The Alliant Energy Center Veterans Memorial Coliseum is also opening at 10 a.m. on Tuesday to operate as a cooling center. The Madison Metro Bus is offering free rides to and from the Coliseum for those in need.

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