MINNEAPOLIS (July 11, 2024) – Forecasts are calling for the Upper Midwest’s first heat wave of the summer, with temperatures expected to top 90 degrees this weekend. Xcel Energy is encouraging customers to consider ways to save energy and keep their bills low.

Xcel Energy’s average Minnesota residential customer’s monthly electric bill was nearly 20% below the national average in 2023. Still, cooling costs can account for half of a summertime electric bill, so Xcel Energy is providing tips to customers to practice energy efficiency while staying cool:

  • Installing a programmable thermostat that raises the setting when the house is empty and lowers it to a comfortable level when everyone comes home.
  • Using ceiling fans to circulate cool air throughout the home.
  • Opening interior doors to improve the circulation of cool air inside.
  • Using a whole-house or attic fan to draw in cool nighttime air.
  • Changing air conditioner filters and having your air conditioner coils cleaned to improve efficiency.
  • Closing drapes and blinds during the heat of the day.

Customers can also reduce their overall bills by:

  • Turning off lights and electronics when they’re not in use.
  • Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which use 75%-80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last 15 times longer.
  • Running washing machines, clothes dryers and dishwashers with full loads and only after the heat of the day. This helps keeps the house cooler and reduces strain on the electric grid.

Voluntary programs help customers save

With the high temperatures, Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota may receive an Energy Action Day email from the company this week with additional tips to lower their electric use if they choose. Last summer, Xcel Energy called five Energy Action Days in Minnesota, allowing customers to voluntarily take steps that reduced overall energy use on the system while providing cost savings for customers.

Ahead of each Energy Action Day, approximately 550,000 customers in Minnesota will receive an email providing them with resources showing how to be more energy efficient. Learn more about Energy Action Days here.

In addition, residential customers can enroll in the Saver’s Switch and AC Rewards programs, which help support the energy grid during very high use. Customers are financially compensated for enrolling in Saver’s Switch and AC Rewards. Customers who have already signed up should review their enrollment and the details of the program and what to expect during the hot summer months. 

Xcel Energy offers dozens of energy- and money-saving options for customers, including rebates, home energy audits and deals on smart products. Check out the “It Pays to Save” guide to all residential programs.

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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.