Ready for the latest burst of cold? Here’s how to save money, stay safe

As the thermometer is making frigidly clear, winter is far from over.

With temperatures persistently in the single and low double-digits this week, Xcel Energy is offering advice for staying safe and saving money on your utility bills.

Take steps to save

Rising utility rates have many customers looking for ways to trim their bills.

Here are ways Xcel suggests you 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 this energy savings tips page. Customers also can learn more about programs, incentives and rebates that can help make homes and businesses more energy-efficient.

“Customers should be safe and comfortable in their homes during the extreme cold. We encourage our customers to contact us if they’re having trouble paying their bill,” Xcel said in a statement. “We can provide options like payment plans and energy-assistance programs.”

Customers can learn more about energy-assistance programs and resources on the website or by calling 800-895-4999.

Report your outage

Hopefully, the week won’t bring power problems. But here’s how to report them if so:

• Through the My Xcel Energy mobile app, available in the Apple App Store and through Google Play.
• Online at xcelenergy.com/out.
• By calling 800-895-1999 and following the prompts — the automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds. Once the cause of the problem is identified, the system or an Xcel Energy representative will provide customers with an estimated restoration time when available.

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 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: 800-895-1999 for residential or 800-481-4700 for business.
  • Battery-powered radio or television.
  • Flashlights.
  • Batteries.
  • Backup phone chargers.
  • Phone that does not require electricity.
  • Nonelectric 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 such as garage doors.

Meter safety

Xcel Energy strongly recommends keeping your natural gas meter clear by gently removing snow or ice from around and on the meter, associated piping and the roofline above. Icy build-up can dangerously interfere with the flow of natural gas to and from your meter, and accumulated snow can prevent the meter from operating properly by stopping the flow of natural gas. A snow-covered meter also could lead to a loss of service and freezing of inside pipes as a result of lost heat. Customers also should clear a path to their gas meter to allow quick access in case of an emergency.

Heating safety

If using a space heater, take care to ensure safety because 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.

Food safety

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, food safety is directly related to the temperature of the food. To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures, keep doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for approximately two days and a half-full freezer approximately one day. Visit the USDA website for information.