NEWS RELEASE
XCEL ENERGY
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Xcel Energy encourages customers to take steps to reduce their energy bills throughout the cold weather season. Xcel Energy also offers ways to help customers manage their bills, including payment plans, and can connect customers in need to state energy assistance programs to help with bills.
Xcel Energy expects average residential customer natural gas bills will be nearly 31 percent lower this winter compared to last winter, primarily due to the lower wholesale price of natural gas. At the same time, the company always encourages customer to take steps to save energy and money.
Take steps to save
Here are ways customers can save energy and money this winter:
- Lower your thermostat a few degrees, ideally to 68 degrees or lower.
- Adjust your programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature while you are away or while you sleep.
- During daylight hours, open drapes and blinds to maximize heat from direct sunlight. To retain heat, keep them closed when it is dark.
- Run ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down from the ceiling, adding comfort and savings.
- Keep interior doors open to help circulate air more freely and maintain constant heating levels.
Find more ways to save on the energy savings tips page on xcelenergy.com. Customers can also learn more about programs, incentives and rebates that can help make homes and businesses more energy efficient.
Customers are encouraged to contact Xcel Energy if they’re having trouble paying their bill. We can provide options like payment plans and energy assistance programs. Customers can learn more about energy assistance programs and resources on the website or by calling 1-800-895-4999.
Decrease in winter heating bills
If Colorado experiences normal weather this winter, the average Colorado residential customer will see their monthly natural gas bills decrease about 31 per cent compared to last winter.
To protect against market fluctuations in the price, Xcel Energy takes a number of steps, including storing natural gas for use during the heating season, and contracting for natural gas in advance. For its electric customers, the company has a diverse energy mix, with many energy sources that can be used to minimize the effect of natural gas price increases on electric bills.
Winter Safety Tips
Finally, it’s never too early to think about winter safety, and Xcel Energy also wants to remind customers of tips they can take to stay safe.
For natural gas customers:
- Have a plan for removing snow and ice from the natural gas meter. This includes having a clear path to the meter for easy access in an emergency.
- Gently remove snow or ice from the natural gas meter or outside appliance vents to avoid buildup of pressure in the gas lines or natural gas inside the home. Removing gently by hand is best.
- If there is damage to a gas meter due to snow or ice falling from the roof or nearby trees, move a safe distance from the gas meter before calling 911 and Xcel Energy at 800-895-2999.
- If customers experience a natural gas outage, do not try to relight gas appliances. Call Xcel Energy to check the gas meter, service lines and appliances – free of charge.
Other ways customers can prepare, and stay safe:
- Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.
- Build a home emergency kit. Xcel Energy recommends assembling an easily accessible kit that can be used in the event of a power outage. Useful items may include:
- Xcel Energy phone numbers - 1-800-895-1999 for residential or 1-800-481-4700 for business
- Battery-powered radio or television
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Back up phone chargers
- Battery-powered alarm clock
- Bottled water and nonperishable food
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Extension cords (for partial outages)
- Manufacturer's instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g., garage doors)
- Heating safety. If using a space heater, take care to ensure safety as more than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year in the United States, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
- Make sure the heater has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, and read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels.
- Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs and connections; don’t use it if they are frayed, worn or damaged.
- Never leave a space heater unattended.
- Turn it off when leaving a room and don’t go to sleep with a space heater on.
Additionally, Xcel Energy offers rebates and incentives to install energy efficient furnaces and insulation.
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