Reducing energy demand can help keep bills low
Xcel Energy is ready as temperatures rise this summer and energy use increases, and the company shares ways customers in Colorado can feel comfortable while saving energy and money.
Xcel Energy is taking many steps to lower the cost of bills and provide more resources to help customers in Colorado. Customers now have a one-stop shop online with ways to save energy and money, explore energy efficiency incentives and rebates, have more stable bills, and learn about payment assistance.
In 2022, more than 71,500 Xcel Energy customers in Colorado received more than $87 million in assistance with their energy bills. Customers should contact them if they are having difficulty paying their bills so Xcel Energy can help connect them to payment assistance programs or help them enroll in an Average Monthly Payment program to make their monthly bills more predictable. For more information on energy assistance options, customers can visit xcelenergy.com/EnergyAssistance or call 1-800-895-4999.
The company is adding nation-leading amounts of renewable energy to the grid, saving customers money because wind and solar power generate electricity with no fuel costs. From 2017 through 2022, the company’s wind farms saved Colorado customers $700 million in avoided fuel costs and tax credits.
Home cooling can account for about half of an electricity bill in the summer. Customers can get the most out of their refrigeration:
- Installing a programmable thermostat that raises the temperature when the house is empty and lowers it to a comfortable level when everyone gets home.
- Using ceiling fans to circulate cool air throughout the house.
- Opening the interior doors to improve the circulation of cold air inside.
- Using a whole house or attic fan to bring in cool air at night and push out hot air during the day.
Changing air conditioning filters and cleaning air conditioning coils to improve efficiency.
Closing curtains and blinds during the heat of the day.
Customers can also lower their overall bills by:
- Turn off lights and electronic components when not in use.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which use 75-80 percent less energy than traditional bulbs and last 15 percent longer.
- Operate washers, dryers, and dishwashers with full loads and only after the heat of the day. This helps keep the house cooler and reduces the strain on the electrical grid.
Home Energy Squad tours are now free in Colorado and are a great way for customers to make their homes more energy efficient. Customers can sign up with the promo code “FREESQUAD” and the Home Energy Squad will help them save with fast, affordable and energy efficient solutions during a home visit. The Home Energy Squad will replace traditional LEDs, install a programmable thermostat, weatherstrip drafty doors, and install energy-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators.
Residential customers can also enroll in Saver’s Switch and AC Rewards programs, which help maintain the power grid during periods of high usage. Customers receive financial compensation for enrolling in Saver’s Switch and AC Rewards. Customers who have already registered should review their registration and details of the program and what to expect during the hot summer months.
Learn more about Xcel Energy’s home energy savings tips. Xcel Energy also offers incentives and rebates that customers can use to make their homes and businesses more efficient. Learn more about those programs at https://nm.my.xcelenergy.com/s/residential/home-rebates.
Source: Xcel Energy
