Xcel Energy is reminding customers that cold weather can oftenlead 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 energyassistance or establish pay arrangements.
“Xcel Energy’s Texas and New Mexico customers have benefitted from reliable electric service as a stringof 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 upwinter 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 dividetheir balance into installments to be paid over time. These plans vary according to individualcircumstances, but most are from three to six months. Customers wishing to discuss pay arrangementoptions with Xcel Energy Contact Center agents can call (800) 895-4999 Monday through Friday from 7a.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 billingpayments. In 2022, 19,180 customers in Texas and New Mexico received more than $14.7 million inassistance for their energy bills. Information on state-specific energy assistance programs is available atxcelenergy.com/energyassistance.
Additionally, Xcel Energy provides information on saving energy and money through improved efficiencyat xcelenergy. com on the Programs & Rebates page. In 2022, customers who participated in XcelEnergy’s efficiency programs in Texas and New Mexico saved 80 gigawatt-hours of electricity – enoughto power approximately 9,800 homes.