Utilities Increase Staffing To Deal With Outages

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Utility companies in Minnesota have geared up to handle the increased number of calls due to the subzero cold.

CenterPoint Energy has tripled service staff since Sunday. Spokeswoman Becca Virden says technicians handled about 400 calls for service statewide Sunday - about twice the usual number. Virden says utility crews are expected to respond to about 1,400 calls for service on Monday.

Xcel Energy also increased staff Sunday and Monday to deal with the possibility of increased calls. Spokeswoman Mary Sandok says no electrical outages have so far been reported.