Xcel Energy helps Minnesotans save during summer heat
With summer heat on its way, including a stretch of hot days through this weekend, Xcel Energy is committed to helping customers save energy and money while staying cool.
The company keeps costs low for customers through its diverse mix of energy sources, including renewables like solar, wind and hydroelectric that minimize the impact of spikes in fuel costs and take advantage of tax credits that the company passes on as savings to customers. Since 2017, Xcel Energy’s wind generation has reduced costs by nearly $2.5 billion for its Upper Midwest customers through avoided fuel costs and production tax credits. In 2024, the average electric bill for residential customers in Minnesota was 31% below the national average.
Tips to save energy and money
Xcel Energy encourages customers to take the steps that work best for them to save energy and money this summer. Energy-saving tips include:
- Closing blinds and shades to keep direct sunlight out during the day.
- Using a programmable thermostat that raises its setting when the house is empty and lowers it to a comfortable level when people are home. Cooling costs are the single largest driver of home electric bills when temperatures rise.
- Opening interior doors to help circulate cool air throughout the home.
- Using weather stripping to seal exterior doors and windows and prevent cool air from escaping.
- Running ceiling fans counterclockwise to better circulate cool air from the bottom of the room to the top.
- Improving the insulation of walls, crawl spaces, floors and vents.
- Turning off unnecessary lighting and ensuring all light fixtures use LED bulbs, which are the most energy efficient option.
- Running washing machines, dishwashers and clothes dryers with full loads after the heat of the day, to help keep the house cooler.
- Replacing a dirty air filter, which can reduce an air conditioner’s energy use by 5% to 15%.
During peak summer temperatures, the company may invite customers to participate in an Energy Action Day by voluntarily lowering their electric use. Participation helps keep the grid running reliably and brings cost savings to customers. Learn about other energy-saving tips.
Rebates and programs
Xcel Energy offers dozens of energy- and money-saving programs for customers, including appliance rebates, home energy audits and deals on smart products. Explore these options in the Residential and Business pages.
The company also works with state and local agencies and advocates for income-qualified customers to provide energy assistance to those in need. Customers who need help with their bills can learn more at xcelenergy.com/EnergyAssistance or by calling 1-800-895-4999. In 2024, energy assistance programs provided over 70,000 customers in Minnesota with about $66 million in support toward their energy bills.
