Xcel energy files to extend low-income energy assistance

In a continuing effort to assist the state's low-income customers with their energy bills, Xcel Energy has asked the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to extend for five years an annual, $2.6 million home weatherization program.

In an October 2005 announcement, Xcel Energy's President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Kelly said that the company would seek to extend its Energy $avings Partners Program (E$P), which provides home energy efficiency opportunities to Colorado's low-income customers.

The filing Monday reflects the company's efforts to follow through on this commitment. At the time of the October announcement, Xcel Energy also said it would contribute up to $3 million this year from shareholders of the company (a $2 million donation and a $1 million match) to support low-income customers through Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC).

"Providing monthly energy-bill support to low-income customers is an important aspect of our commitment to our communities. The additional support of Energy $avings Partners gives us opportunities to solve high energy bills -- not just one year at a time -- but for many years to come," said Patricia Vincent, Xcel Energy's president and chief executive officer in Colorado.

The E$P program is administered through the Colorado Governor's Office of Energy Management and Conservation (OEMC). It assists low-income customers who own or rent their homes. The current program is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2006.

Each year, with donations from Xcel Energy, more than 2,600 homes are weatherized with cost-effective energy upgrades such as insulation and appliance inspections for efficiency and safety. The program initially began in Colorado in 1976, and since that time, more than 60,000 Colorado homes have been weatherized.

Low-income customers seeking support from the state's E$P or EOC program, or federal Low-Income Energy Assistance Program may call 866-HEAT-HELP (866-432-8435) for more information.

Xcel Energy urges customers concerned about their heating bills or in need of information about assistance to contact Xcel Energy's 24-hour customer service number at 800-895-4999. Customers also may go to the company's Web site (xcelenergy.com) or call the customer service number for a free copy of the brochure, "60 Simple Ways to Save Money on Your Energy Bill," and other information about recommended conservation measures.

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