AMARILLO, Texas (Jan. 25, 2024) – Xcel Energy is reminding customers that cold weather can often lead to higher energy bills as area residents use more electricity to warm their homes and businesses. Customers who are concerned they might fall behind on payments are encouraged to apply for energy assistance or establish pay arrangements.

“Xcel Energy’s Texas and New Mexico customers have benefitted from reliable electric service as a string of winter weather events in recent weeks gripped the region in arctic cold,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. “But higher use of electricity to stay warm can drive up winter bills, and we want to remind our customers to contact us if they need assistance.”

The company’s automated phone system offers pay arrangement options that allow customers to divide their balance into installments to be paid over time. These plans vary according to individual circumstances, but most are from three to six months. Customers wishing to discuss pay arrangement options with Xcel Energy Contact Center agents can call (800) 895-4999 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Xcel Energy can also connect customers with community resources that will assist them in making billing payments. In 2022, 19,180 customers in Texas and New Mexico received more than $14.7 million in assistance for their energy bills. Information on state-specific energy assistance programs is available at xcelenergy.com/energyassistance.

Additionally, Xcel Energy provides information on saving energy and money through improved efficiency at xcelenergy.com on the Programs & Rebates page. In 2022, customers who participated in Xcel Energy’s efficiency programs in Texas and New Mexico saved 80 gigawatt-hours of electricity – enough to power approximately 9,800 homes.

Efficiency services for residential customers is provided by approved energy-efficiency contractors operating in the area that make efficiency improvements at little to no cost. Additional services are provided for low-income households. Customers access these services by contacting the firms listed on the Energy Efficiency Services page at xcelenergy.com. Details on additional residential energy-saving programs and offers can be found at xcelenergy.com.

To help customers reduce future bills, the Xcel Energy website also offers energy-saving tips such as:

• Lowering the thermostat a few degrees, ideally to 68 degrees or lower
• Installing a smart thermostat to automatically lower the temperature when away from home or during overnight hours
• Opening drapes and blinds during daylight hours to maximize heat from direct sunlight and keeping them closed after dark to retain heat
• Running ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down from the ceiling, adding comfort and savings
• Keeping interior doors open to help circulate air more freely and maintain constant heating levels