MINNEAPOLIS (April 29, 2024) – 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. 

“As the seasons change, we remind customers of the financial assistance options available for those that are struggling to pay their bills,” said Canda Henry, vice president, customer care. “We understand the economic stress our customers are under and ask those who need assistance to contact us to discuss pay arrangements.”

The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program pays up to $2,000 towards heat, power, water costs or repairing or replacing a broken heating system for eligible households. For more information, visit mn.gov/EnergyAssistance or call 1-800-657-3710. Income eligible households may also qualify for additional energy efficiency and conservation programs through Xcel Energy.  

To set up pay arrangements, customers can talk with one of our dedicated customer care agents or use our automated phone system by calling 1-800-895-4999. Customers also have the option go online and login to My Account by visiting xcelenergy.com/MyAccount. 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. 

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 pre-paid 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- 895-4999 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.

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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. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X, formerly Twitter, and Facebook.