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Energy Cents Natural Gas Assistance
Xcel program may help low-income customers with natural gas costs
Paying energy bills, especially during the summer and winter can often stretch people's budgets to the limit. Xcel Energy offers free, energy-saving programs to Xcel Energy natural gas customers who meet certain income requirements. Based on your eligibility and individual needs, Xcel will provide customized solutions to help you save energy and money while living more comfortably.
POWER on/Gas Affordability Program
The Energy CENTS Coalition, a community-based organization, works with Xcel Energy to offer the POWER On/Gas Affordability Program. The program lowers your monthly gas bill and helps you pay any past-due balance.
Eligibility guidelines
- Receive Energy Assistance from your local Energy Assistance Provider each heating season
- Have an active account with Xcel Energy for gas service
To remain on the Program
- Make your budget payment to Xcel Energy each month by the due date on your bill
- Notify Energy CENTS Coalition if there is a change in your income
- Notify Energy CENTS Coalition if you move
Weatherization services:
Qualifying residents will work with Xcel's service providers, Energy CENTS Coalition and Sustainable Resources Center, Inc., to have an energy expert visit your home or apartment. They will conduct an inspection and provide suggestions for easy ways to make energy and cost-saving changes. They will help you determine if you qualify for additional free, energy-saving program offerings, like weatherization services and appliance replacement.
Xcel's free weatherization services for qualified Xcel Energy customers with natural gas include attic and/or wall insulation and air sealing to help keep cold drafts out and heat in.
Appliance replacement:
If your major gas appliances are more than 10 years old, chances are they consume a great deal of energy and cost a lot more to run than newer, energy-efficient appliances. Based on your needs you may be eligible to have your natural gas furnace, boiler or water heater replaced.
To determine if you are eligible for this program contact the Metro East service provider: Energy CENTS Coalition at 651-774-9010 or visit energycents.org
- How does this program work?
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Based on your income, you will pay a set amount for your Xcel Energy bill each month. When you make your payment, Xcel Energy will put a credit on your account to help keep you current on your bill. If you have a past due balance, you will also receive help to get caught up on your bill.
- What if my discount is not showing on my Xcel bill?
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If you made your full budget payment by your due date, and you do not see your discount on your Xcel bill, call Xcel Energy at 1-866-975-7327.
- Why does my Xcel Energy bill have a different amount due?
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Your bill from Xcel Energy is always going to show the total amount that you owe. You just need to pay your budget payment each month to receive your discounts and remain on the program.
- What if I have a credit balance on my bill?
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If you have a credit balance on your bill, you do NOT need to make a payment. Discounts will not be applied to your account if you have a large credit balance or if no payment is made.
- What happens if I miss making my budget payment?
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If you miss two payments, you will be removed from the program and cannot re-apply until the next calendar year. You will have to pay your full balance due, and Xcel Energy can take various credit actions, including shutting off your service.
- How long does this program last?
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As long as you continue to make your monthly payment and meet the eligibility guidelines, you can remain on the program. After one year, we will re-evaluate your budget and credit amounts based on updated usage, current balance and income information. If you have not received Energy Assistance for the current heating season, you may be removed from the program at that time.
- What if I pay a different utility for my gas or electric bill?
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Contact that utility company to see if they offer an affordability program and ask them how to apply.
- Who can I contact for more information?
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Contact the Energy CENTS Coalition at 651-774-9010
To speak to a personal account representative at Xcel Energy please call 866-875-7327