Summer’s heat pushes up demand: Xcel Energy offers payment options, billing help

Electricity costs for Xcel Energy’s Texas and New Mexico customers have dropped in recent months thanks to lower prices for power plant fuel, but the utility company notes that customers who used more electricity than expected during recent heat waves have options for paying their bills.

“We’ve enjoyed a decrease in the price of electricity, but we’re aware that many customers are still operating on tight budgets, and a higher-than-expected bill can cause a lot of anxiety,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. “Our customer care representatives are available to discuss these bills and can provide options that will help customers manage their payments without falling behind.”

Electricity prices are down from earlier in the year thanks largely to a reduction in the cost of natural gas used to fuel about 30% of the region’s electricity production. But summer air conditioning use drives up billing costs for most customers, especially when the region experiences periods of high temperatures combined with elevated humidity. Xcel Energy customers having difficulty making payments should contact Xcel Energy before falling behind. The company offers pay arrangements on a case-by-case basis, allowing customers to pay over time should they need to.

“These pay arrangements vary according to individual circumstances, but most are from three to six months, said Canda Henry, Amarillo-based vice president of Customer Care. “Customers facing loss of income or other hardships that prevent them from making payments can talk with one of our personal account representatives, who can connect them with agencies in their area that offer help with utility bills.”

Personal account representatives will have a listing of appropriate community funds in each town served by Xcel Energy and will help qualified customers apply this funding to outstanding balances. Additionally, agents have been reaching out to customers who have qualified for energy assistance in the past to ensure they are aware of the resources available to them. Customers wishing to visit with Xcel Energy about payment arrangements can call 1-800-895-4999 Monday through Friday or visit the customer support page at xcelenergy.com to learn about options and programs to help manage bills.

Xcel Energy’s free customer app is also a convenient way for customers to manage their bills and access information on payment options. The app provides current account balances, an option to pay through a secure payment portal and a feature for setting up payment arrangements or applying for energy assistance. For customers with smart meters, the app links to My Energy Connection where customers can see their energy usage in near real time and view past usage information.

How to save energy, lower bills

Customers can reduce energy use and remain comfortable by making simple and low-cost efficiency improvements and adopting energy-saving habits. Xcel Energy offers tips to beat the heat and save money at its Energy Saving Tips page at xcelenergy.com, which includes tips such as:

• Installing a programmable thermostat that raises the setting when the house is empty and lowers it to a comfortable level when everyone comes home.
• Using ceiling fans to circulate cool air throughout the home.
• Opening interior doors to improve the circulation of cool air inside.
• Using a whole-house or attic fan to draw in cool nighttime air and push out hot air during the day.
• Changing air conditioner filters and having air conditioner coils cleaned to improve efficiency.
• Closing drapes and blinds during the heat of the day
• Turning off lights and electronics when they’re not in use.
• Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which use 75%-80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last 15% longer.
• Running washing machines, clothes dryers and dishwashers with full loads and only after the heat of the day. This helps keeps the house cooler and reduces strain on the electric grid.
• If using well water, checking pumps for leaks and reducing frequency and duration of lawn irrigation.

Customers can take further steps toward ongoing savings by having their homes tested for air leaks that can make cooling and heating units less efficient and more costly to operate. Authorized energy efficiency contractors perform the testing for Xcel Energy and make energy-saving improvements free of charge. A list of approved contractors can be accessed on the Energy Efficiency Services page at xcelenergy.com.