Really, Xcel? Again?

2:51 a.m.

I am awakened by a sudden deafening...silence.

Once again, the power went out during a triple-digit heat wave.

I had no idea an apartment could heat up so quickly without air moving through.

This is the 4th time this summer my life has been directly negatively impacted by Xcel's inability to keep things running.

First, the substation exploded as detailed here.

Then, at the Zane Lamprey show, a transformer blew and the show was postponed until the next night.

Then, the next night, the power went out again - same transformer blew - about 30 minutes to door.

Finally, last night, for some unknown reason, the power went out and stayed out for 2 1/2 hours.

For the second time this summer I had to call in late to work as it's a little difficult to get dressed and apply make up in the pitch black dark.

Oversleeping wasn't a problem though. I mean, what with worrying about oversleeping without an alarm clock and feeling as though I was attempting to sleep in an oven - and not even a convection oven because at least then the air would be circulating - I wasn't getting back to sleep.

And wouldn't you know, the power would go back on...just in time for me to get up and go to work 45 minutes late.

So to you, Xcel Energy, I firmly salute you...with both middle fingers. Thanks for raising our rates and simultaneously exhibiting a degradation in service.

You rock.