Xcel Energy - Preparing for summer heat in Texas and New Mexico

Published: 2025-06-13 08:16:43 ET XEL

Published on 06/13/2025 at 08:16

AMARILLO - The summertime heat is quickly approaching, and Xcel Energy is reminding its Texas and New Mexico customers about important tips to keep electric bills low as temperatures rise.

Home cooling can account for about half of a summertime electric bill. 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, including:

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, set to counterclockwise in the summer.

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 hottest part of the day, which 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.

Xcel Energy customers having difficulty making payments should contact Xcel Energy before falling behind. The company offers payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis, allowing customers to pay over time if needed.

'Payment plans are tailored to each customer's situation, typically ranging from three to six months,' said Randy Cantu, senior director of contact center operations in Amarillo. 'If customers are experiencing income loss or other financial difficulties, they can speak with one of our personal account representatives, who can help connect them with local agencies that provide assistance 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 learn more about Xcel Energy's payment arrangements can download the Xcel Energy mobile app, log in to My Account, or call 1-800-895-4999 Monday through Friday. Customers can also visit the customer support page at xcelenergy.com to learn about options and programs to help manage bills.

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices.

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