Xcel Energy offers bill assistance as Minnesota Cold Weather Rule ends April 30

Published: 2026-04-30 09:22:19 ET XEL

Published on 04/30/2026 at 09:22 am EDT

MINNEAPOLIS - Xcel Energy is ready to help customers who may be struggling with their energy bills as warmer temperatures arrive and Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule ends for the season.

There are a variety of programs that can help customers in need.

The Cold Weather Rule, which expires April 30, helps protect residential energy customers from electric or gas service disconnections if it affects their primary heating source. The rule runs each year from October 1 to April 30.

'We understand that many people right now are feeling financial pressures in various areas of their lives,' said Jody Allison, vice president, Customer Experience Operations and Transformation at Xcel Energy. 'It's our priority to work with those in need and prevent disconnections wherever possible. Please reach out to us and learn about the bill assistance options available.'

The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program pays an average of $500 for heat and power costs, as well as emergencies such as repairing or replacing a broken furnace for eligible households.

Income eligible households may also qualify for additional energy efficiency and conservation programs through Xcel Energy. For more information on energy assistance, affordability programs, payment options and energy-saving tips, customers can contact Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999 or visit xcelenergy.com/EnergyAssistance- Opens in new window.

To set up pay arrangements, customers can speak with a dedicated customer care agent or use the company's automated phone system by calling 1-800-895-4999. Customers also have the option to log in to My Account online at xcelenergy.com/MyAccount.

New safeguards for extreme heat and poor air quality

Starting May 1, new safeguards will keep customers connected, and temporarily restore power for currently disconnected customers, during periods of extreme heat and poor air quality. When the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or extreme heat warning and/or the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency forecasts an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 150 for at least 8 hours, customers can avoid disconnection, and customers already disconnected will have the option for power to be restored for the duration of the heat or AQI event.

When a qualifying heat or AQI event is called, affected customers will receive a text message and/or an automated call to advise of the option to be reconnected. For safety reasons, customers must respond to this message, use the My Account platform online or contact an Xcel Energy representative at 1-866-235-6881 to have their electric service temporarily restored. Once the heat or AQI event is over, power will be disconnected again, but customers will have the option to enroll in a payment plan to continue service.

Be aware of scams

Xcel Energy also wants to remind customers to be aware of scams that typically ramp up during the change in seasons.

In most scenarios, the scammer tells the customer their account is past due, and service will be disconnected if a large payment isn't made - usually within the hour. The scammer then instructs the customer to purchase a prepaid debit or credit card, widely available at retail stores, and demands the customer call back to supposedly make a payment to the utility. These scammers often sound professional and may also manipulate caller ID so numbers look like they're coming from Xcel Energy.

Here are tips to avoid scams, even when a caller sounds legitimate

Customers should be suspicious if a caller requires a single form of payment, such as requiring the use of a prepaid debit card. Xcel Energy offers many options for payment and will never ask or require a customer with a past due account to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.

Customers will first be contacted via U.S. mail about past-due bills, not over the phone. They will also be sent a disconnection notice in writing before their power is turned off.

Customers should never wire money or provide bank card or social security numbers to an unverified source.

Customers with any doubt about the authenticity of someone claiming to be from Xcel Energy and asking for payment should hang up immediately. They should then call Xcel Energy Customer Service at 1-800- 895-4999 or the company's Business Solutions Center at 1-800-481-4700 (M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) to report the experience. By calling these numbers, customers can count on the help of a legitimate representative.

Xcel Energy will share information about suspected scams with federal authorities for possible criminal investigation. Affected customers should also contact local authorities to file a criminal complaint.

Xcel Energy's website - Opens in new windowhas more information to help people avoid phone, email, in person and employment scams.

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy.

We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers' need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives.

Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas.

Contact:

Email: [email protected]