With much colder weather expected over the three-day holiday weekend, Xcel Energy is prepared to meet the increased electricity demand in the Texas and New Mexico communities it serves. The company is reminding customers to take advantage of tools and tips to keep their power bills manageable while staying warm.
“We are prepared to ensure our customers have reliable power as temperatures drop significantly,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. “Our power plants are winter- ready, and we have enhanced our ability to import power through our connections with the Southwest Power Pool.”
To help customers prepare for the colder temperatures, Xcel Energy recommends the following energy saving tips:
• Use the Xcel Energy mobile app to monitor and control energy usage, especially for customers with smart meters.
• Open blinds during the day to take advantage of the sun’s warmth and close them at night to insulate against the cold.
• Set thermostats a few degrees lower when you are not home. Smart thermostats can automatically adjust temperatures based on routines, saving on heating costs.
• Run ceiling fans clockwise during colder months to push warm air down from the ceiling.
• Keep the oven door closed when cooking to maintain temperature and use lids on pots and pans to speed up cooking time.
• Schedule a no-cost home efficiency evaluation through Xcel Energy’s Home Energy Services program. More information is available on the Energy Efficiency Services page at xcelenergy.com.
• Seal gaps around doors and windows with weather stripping.
• Lower the water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees and wrap it in insulation to save on water heating costs.
• Change filters on home heating systems every month to reduce heating costs.
• Improve insulation in walls, crawl spaces, floors and heating ducts to save up to 10% on monthly energy bills.
Xcel Energy can connect customers with local agencies for utility bill assistance. Customers struggling to pay their bills are encouraged to call 1-800-895-4999 to discuss affordable payment plans or visit the customer support page at xcelenergy.com for more information on available programs and resources.