MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 26, 2024) — Decking the halls and decorating your home this holiday season doesn’t have to break the bank. Xcel Energy is sharing tips to save on energy costs with holiday lights and to stay safe while decorating.

Depending on the type and number of lights used, customers can save over $100 for holiday lights based on Minnesota electric rates. Customers using a strand of 100 LED mini-lights for five hours a day will save about 70 cents a month per strand, when compared to a strand of incandescent bulbs. Each strand of 25 LED standard C7 lights used for five hours will save about $2.75 per month, while each strand of 25 LED standard C9 lights can save about $3.85 a month. Savings can vary depending on which manufacturer consumers use.

Most people use multiple strands of holiday lights for up to two months during this festive time of year, which can lead to significant savings. Customers who use 15 strands of LED lights instead of incandescent lights for five hours a day can save:

  • LED mini-lights: about $20
  • LED standard C7 lights: about $80
  • LED standard C9 lights: about $115

Always practice safety when decorating

Follow these tips to safely hang holiday lights:

  • Plan your decorating and lighting ahead of time to reduce potential safety hazards.
  • Use only Underwriters Laboratories-approved lights and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Keep holiday lights, ladders and extension poles more than 10 feet away from any overhead power lines.
  • Check the cords, socket connections and plugs on strings of lights. If these are worn or damaged, replace the lights.
  • Plug in lights before stringing them to determine whether any bulbs are burned out.
  • Unplug lights before hanging them as well as when asleep or away from home.
  • Avoid attaching too many light strings together and plugging them into one outlet. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for recommended maximum number of strings per outlet.
  • Keep lights away from combustible materials, including draperies.
  • Keep lights away from metal railings and banisters, aluminum siding, and metallic trees. These materials can become energized if a short-circuit occurs.
  • Make sure rooftop decorations don't block vents or vent pipes.

Learn about other ways to save energy and money at home.

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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 and Facebook.