AMARILLO–An extended streak of record-setting temperatures in Xcel Energy’s Texas-New Mexico service area has driven up electricity usage and billing costs, following a trend seen across many parts of the country. Xcel Energy is urging customers who may have difficulties paying bills to contact customer agents for options in making payments.

“We understand our customers are operating on tight budgets, and a high bill can create a lot of anxiety. said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. “This summer has been an especially difficult one because of extreme heat, but our customer care representatives are standing by to discuss these high bills and can provide options that will help customers manage their payments.

“We also want to express our thanks to Xcel Energy colleagues who safely work outdoors to address any issues during the hot days and warm nights,” Rodriguez added.

Persistent, record-setting heat across the area has boosted air conditioning use, which accounts for half or more of a typical household’s summer electricity use. Xcel Energy’s weather records show higher-than-average temperatures in every operating division, with the highest increase in the Roswell area where temperatures in July were 5% above normal. Lubbock temperatures were 3.7% higher and Amarillo saw a 1.7% increase above average. The heat has been compounded by a lack of rain. Eastern New Mexico and the Panhandle and South Plains regions of Texas all recorded below average rainfall levels in July.

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 with higher usage, many customers are paying more than they expected. 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 senior director in Xcel Energy’s Customer Care group. “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.

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.