Customers are encouraged to contact the company for help with energy bills
Xcel Energy is ready to help customers who may be struggling with their bills as spring arrives and Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule ends for the season. For those who may need financial assistance, 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 – April 30.
“If customers experience challenges paying their bills, we have financial assistance options that can help meet their needs,” said Canda Henry, vice president, customer care. “We know that economic challenges and unfortunate circumstances can be difficult for our customers, and we want to remind them that we are here to help.”
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. For more information, visit mn.gov/EnergyAssistance or call 1-800-6573710. 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.
To set up pay arrangements, customers can talk with one of our dedicated customer care agents or use the automated phone system by calling 1-800-895-4999. Customers also have the option to go online and login to My Account by visiting xcelenergy.com/MyAccount.
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.
Even when a caller sounds legitimate, here are some quick warning signs for customers:
• 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.
• Xcel Energy customers will initially be contacted by U.S. Mail about past due bills, not over the phone. You will also be sent a disconnection notice in writing before your power is turned off.
• Customers should never wire money, provide bank card numbers 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- 8954999 or our 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 has more information to help people avoid phone, email, in person and employment scams.
