Cold temperatures and snow are expected along Colorado’s Front Range Wednesday, marking the first freeze of the winter season. Xcel Energy encourages customers to stay safe and take steps to reduce their energy bills with our energy saving tips. For customers in need, we have payment plans, programs and resources to help, and can connect customers with state-funded resources.

Take steps to save

Here are ways customers can save energy and money this winter: 

• Lower your thermostat a few degrees, ideally to 68 degrees or lower. 
• Adjust your programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature while you are away or while you sleep.
• During daylight hours, open drapes and blinds to maximize heat from direct sunlight. To retain heat, keep them closed when it is dark.
• Run ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down from the ceiling, adding comfort and savings. 
• Keep interior doors open to help circulate air more freely and maintain constant heating levels. 

Find more ways to save on the energy savings tips page on xcelenergy.com. Customers can also learn more about programs, incentives and rebates that can help make homes and businesses more energy efficient.

Customers should reach out if they’re having difficulty paying their bills, so we can help connect them to payment assistance programs. To learn more about energy assistance options, customers can visit xcelenergy.com/EnergyAssistance or call 1-800-895-4999. 

Winter Safety Tips

Xcel Energy wants to remind customers of tips they can take to stay safe.

For natural gas customers:

• Have a plan for removing snow and ice from the natural gas meter. This includes having a clear path to the meter for easy access in an emergency.
• Gently remove snow or ice from the natural gas meter or outside appliance vents to avoid buildup of pressure in the gas lines or natural gas inside the home. Removing gently by hand is best.
• If there is damage to a gas meter due to snow or ice falling from the roof or nearby trees, move a safe distance from the gas meter before calling 911 and Xcel Energy at 800-895-2999.
• If customers experience a natural gas outage, do not try to relight gas appliances. Call Xcel Energy to check the gas meter, service lines and appliances – free of charge.

Other ways customers can prepare, stay safe:

• Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.
• Build a home emergency kit. Xcel Energy recommends assembling an easily accessible kit that can be used in the event of a power outage. Useful items may include:
  • Xcel Energy phone numbers - 1-800-895-1999 for residential or 1-800-481-4700 for business
  • Battery-powered radio or television
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • Back up phone chargers
  • A phone that does not require electricity
  • Non-electric alarm clock
  • Bottled water and nonperishable food
  • Manual can opener
  • First aid kit
  • Extension cords (for partial outages)
  • Manufacturer's instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g., garage doors)
• Heating safety. If using a space heater, take care to ensure safety as more than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year in the United States, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International. When using a space heater, make sure the heater has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, and read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels. Additionally, inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs and connections; don’t use it if they are frayed, worn or damaged. Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when leaving a room and don’t go to sleep with a space heater on. Additionally, Xcel Energy offers rebates and incentives to install energy efficient furnaces and insulation.
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