Update: Xcel Lifts Appeal For Conservation

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Xcel Energy has lifted its appeal for conservation for all customers in the Upper Midwest after three natural gas pipelines were knocked out by an explosion in Canada.

The Minneapolis-based utility says natural gas is once again flowing to the region in one of two pipelines shut down for inspection Saturday after a third pipeline was ruptured in an explosion south of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Xcel Energy lifted its request to turn down the thermostat for customers in Minnesota and North Dakota late Monday morning. A conservation appeal was lifted for customers in western Wisconsin at noon Monday.

The company lifted its conservation appeal in stages to safely return the system to full capacity.

The call for conservation came just as much of the territory confronted another stretch of bitter cold.