Xcel Energy provides options for higher summer bills
AMARILLO, Texas (June 23, 2021) – Xcel Energy is encouraging customers to get in touch with its customer agents to discuss options for bill payments if they’re concerned about summer electricity bills that have likely risen because of recent bouts of extreme heat.
Air conditioners are a chief driver of electricity consumption as they work overtime to remove heat from home or business interiors. The more outside heat there is, the longer air conditioners run to keep the inside temperature at a desired setting. With summer’s heat coming on early, the higher bills that result from higher use are beginning to show up in mailboxes.
“We understand these extra costs may not be budgeted, and we can provide options for customers who are concerned they may fall behind,” said Brad Baldridge, Xcel Energy director for Customer and Community Relations in Texas and New Mexico. “It’s important to contact us early to discuss these options and make a plan that provides a measure of flexibility.”
Xcel Energy offers payment arrangements on a case-bycase basis, allowing customers to pay over time should they need to. These extensions vary according to individual circumstances, but most are from three to six months. For customers facing loss of income or other hardships that prevent them from making payments, Xcel Energy’s personal account representatives can assist in connecting them with agencies in their area that offer help 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 visit with Xcel Energy about payment arrangements can call 1-800-895-4999 Monday through Friday or visit the customer support page at xcelenergy.com to learn about options and programs to help manage
bills.
Agents can also point customers to energy-saving tips that will help reduce future bills, as well as inform them about incentives for making their homes and businesses more energy efficient. Information on these tips, programs and offers can be found at the Programs & Rebates link at xcelenergy.com.
Xcel Energy also encourages customers to download the free Xcel Energy app from Apple Store or Google Play. The app allows customers to access balance information and offers a secure payment portal, providing 24/7 customer service. Customers may also use the app to report outages, view an outage map and receive updates on restoration.
“The app is not only a great customer service tool, but also protects customers from would-be scammers who impersonate customer agents and demand payment of overdue bills,” Baldridge said. “If you are armed with up-to-date information and know you’re not behind on your bill, it’s a lot easier to simply hang up on scammers.”