AMARILLO, Texas (Feb. 21, 2022) – Xcel Energy is staging employees who will work to get the lights back on if customers lose power during this week’s extreme weather. The company is also sharing tips customers can use to stay safe, report outages and stay informed when severe weather strikes, as well as tips on saving energy and money.
Xcel Energy has increased staffing levels and put operational plans in place to make sure key employees, including line workers, are available and able to respond to outages that may occur due to severe weather. Winds are expected to gust in excess of 50 miles per hour across portions of Xcel Energy’s Texas-New Mexico service area, conditions that can cause electric outages and also wildfires. Extreme cold is also expected to impact most of the region starting Tuesday.
The company understands losing power can be a major inconvenience for customers. Xcel Energy crews are ready to quickly and safely restore electric service to customers.
Reporting an Outage
Customers can help Xcel Energy get a jump on power restoration by reporting outages. Customers have several ways to report outages.
• Xcel Energy mobile app available on iOS and Android
• Online at xcelenergy.com/out
• Text ‘OUT’ to 98936 to report an outage, or text STAT to the same number to check the status of a power outage.
• Call 1-800-895-1999 and follow the prompts—the automated phone reporting system lets customers report outages in less than 60 seconds.
Stay informed If outages occur, it’s important for customers to have access to the most recent updates about their power restoration. Customers can stay informed by visiting the Xcel Energy website or by downloading the mobile app available on iOS and Android. Additionally, the website hosts an outage map that displays information on the number of customers out and anticipated time for restoration. Customers can also stay informed by following Xcel Energy on Facebook and Twitter.
Other ways customers can prepare, stay safe
• Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous. Never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If you come across a downed power line, leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.
• Build a home emergency kit. Xcel Energy recommends assembling an easily accessible kit that can be used in the event of a power outage. Useful items may include:
o Battery-powered radio or television
o Flashlights
o Batteries
o Back up phone chargers
o Bottled water and nonperishable food
o Manual can opener
o First aid kit
• Heating safety. When using a space heater, make sure the heater has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, and read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels. Additionally, inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs and connections; don’t use it if they are frayed, worn or damaged. Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when leaving a room and don’t go to sleep with a space heater on.
• Observe food safety. To maintain refrigerator and freezer temperatures, keep doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer will stay at freezing temperatures for approximately two days and a half-full freezer approximately one day. Visit the USDA website for more information.
Take steps to save
Electricity use typically increases during times of extreme cold, which can lead to high bills. Customers can stay comfortable when the temperature falls and actually save money by making simple changes that boost energy efficiency.
No-Cost Ideas:
• Let the sunlight in and keep the cold out - Open blinds to take advantage of the sun’s warmth during the day but close them at night to insulate against the cold air outside.
• Lower your thermostat - During winter months, set the thermostat between 65-70 degrees while you are home, and 58 degrees when you’re away. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your routine and could help you save on heating costs.
• Make sure exterior doors are fully closed - A major source of a home’s heat loss is from exterior doors that are left cracked open or not latched.
Low-Cost Ideas:
• Lower your water heater’s temperature or insulate it - The proper temperature for a water heater is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and by lowering it 10 degrees, you can save 3-5% on your water heating costs; you can also insulate it to maximize efficiency.
• Keep filters clean - Dirty furnace filters reduce airflow, requiring your furnace to work harder and use more energy. Change the filter once a month during the winter to reduce your heating costs by 5-15%.
• Don’t let the heat escape - Affordable window sealing kits can be found in most local home improvement stores and can help you save. Have your home evaluated for leaky ducts, drafts around doors and windows, fireplace dampers, and other places where air might escape.
• Improve insulation - Improving the insulation of walls, crawl spaces, floors, and heating ducts is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs, saving you up to 10% on your monthly energy bill.
Customers can take part in one of Xcel Energy’s energy efficiency programs to save even more. Information can be found at www.xcelenergy.com.
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.
