Texas-New Mexico customers can save money, receive bill payment assistance
Xcel Energy is set to supply more than enough electricity to meet peak demand this winter in the Texas and New Mexico communities it serves and is encouraging customers to use tools and information to lower winter power bills while staying comfortable through the coldest months.
“We are well-positioned to meet electricity demand in Texas and New Mexico this winter, making sure our customers have consistent and reliable power as it gets colder,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas.
Xcel Energy power plants are equipped for winter weather and the company has expanded its ability to import power over the last decade, using its connections with the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) to ensure sufficient power availability to meet forecasted demand.
Currently, Xcel Energy exceeds the SPP’s winter season obligation of a 15% planning reserve margin above its projected net peak demand.
Xcel Energy’s Texas service area is not part of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT grid, which serves many electricity customers downstate. Similarly, the eastern and southeastern areas of New Mexico that are part of Xcel Energy’s system are separate from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council grid which serves large portions of New Mexico.
Customers can prepare for colder temperatures by taking the following steps to use electricity more efficiently, efforts that require minimal to no cost but can save money on monthly bills:
• Utilizing the new Xcel Energy mobile app to monitor and control energy usage, especially for customers with smart meters.
• Opening blinds to take advantage of the sun’s warmth during the day and closing them at night to insulate against the cold air outside.
• Setting thermostats between 65-70 degrees when the home is occupied, and 58 degrees when no one is at home. A smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on routines and can save on heating costs.
• Running ceiling fans clockwise during colder months so warm air near the ceiling is forced down.
• Keeping the oven door closed when cooking by using an oven light or timer to check progress. Each time the door is opened, even for just a few seconds, the temperature drops 25 degrees. Also, putting lids on pots and pans to speed up cooking time.
• Scheduling a no-cost home efficiency evaluation through an approved contractor working with Xcel Energy’s Home Energy Services program. Information can be found on the Energy Efficiency Services page at xcelenergy.com.
• Sealing gaps around doors and windows with weather stripping.
• Lowering the water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees and wrapping it in insulation, saving 3-5% on water heating costs.
• Changing filters on home heating systems every month to reduce heating costs by 5-15%.
• Improving insulation in walls, crawl spaces, floors, and heating ducts – one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs – for a savings of up to 10% on monthly energy bills.
We routinely reach out to customers who have previously received energy assistance to ensure they are aware of available resources. Customers are also encouraged to contact Xcel Energy if they’re having trouble paying their bill. Our representatives can provide options such as affordable payment plans, energy assistance programs or an Averaged Monthly Payment. Customers may call 1-800-895-4999 or visit our customer support page at xcelenergy.com for further information on programs and resources available to manage their bills.
“Most payment arrangements are from three to six months, but they vary based on individual circumstances,” said Canda Henry, Amarillo-based vice president in Xcel Energy’s Customer Care group.
“We understand that income loss and other hardships happen that can prevent customers from making payments. Our personal account representatives are here to connect customers with local agencies that offer help paying utility bills.”