Pueblo, Colorado (July 20, 2020) – People living in apartment buildings in the Pueblo area can continue to save money on their energy use when their apartment building managers take part in new virtual visits offered by Xcel Energy. The virtual visits replace in-person visits while complying with social distancing guidelines.  

Xcel Energy’s multifamily program is for existing apartment complexes and reviews all areas of the property, including residential units, hallways, lobbies, garages, parking lots, pools and clubhouses. To be eligible, apartment properties must be Xcel Energy gas customers and have five or more residential units per building. The program has three stages: an energy audit; the direct installation of free energy-saving products such as faucet aerators and water-efficient shower heads; and identifying larger energy efficiency upgrades such as HVAC systems.  

The initial audit is now done virtually. The energy auditor guides the on-site apartment manager through an app, collecting all important and relevant information. The visit, including photos, is recorded through the manager’s cell phone and a report is generated. The energy expert than goes over the report during a phone call, to explain what the audit found and what opportunities residents have for saving energy and money. The expert can then schedule a time to return to implement the upgrades. Currently, all implementation is on hold until COVID-related restrictions are lifted. 

“This is a safe and effective way to conduct an audit and identify energy efficient upgrades while adhering to state guidelines during the pandemic,” said Kristin May, Xcel Energy Associate Product Portfolio Manager. “We’re happy to continue offering the Multifamily Buildings program to our customers because it has a number of benefits: it leads to more comfortable tenants, higher building value, lower utility bills and less maintenance.”  

The free audit includes:

  • Identifying energy-saving opportunities through a virtual assessment
  • Reviewing the assessment report and its findings with the facility manager
  • Determining energy efficiency improvements 

After the audit, the program continues its support by providing free direct installation of energy-saving products in each unit; guiding the apartment manager through the rebate process for recommended 

energy-saving upgrades such as high-efficiency HVAC systems; and by providing recommendations of qualified contractors to help install upgrades. 

For more information, contact Xcel Energy at 877.287.2250 or xcelmf@clearesult.com or visit xcelenergy.com/multifamily.

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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 Twitter and Facebook.