Xcel Energy is primed to supply enough electricity to more than meet peak electricity demand this winter in the Texas communities it serves and is encouraging customers to take advantage of tools and information to manage winter power bills while staying comfortable through the coldest months.
“From an operational and planning standpoint, we are in a strong position to meet electricity demand this winter in Texas ”, said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy -Texas.
“We continue to invest in our generating fleet to ensure reliable and affordable energy production, and new and upgraded substations and lines have boosted our ability to deliver electricity where it’s needed,” Rodriguez said, “especially in areas where economic growth has increased demand.”
Xcel Energy power plants have been readied for cold weather and the company has increased its power import capabilities over the past decade, taking advantage of its connections with the Southwest Power Pool to ensure enough power will be available to meet the expected demand.
Xcel Energy’s Texas service area is not part of the ERCOT grid that serves many downstate Texas electricity customers. Likewise, the eastern and southeastern areas of New Mexico that are part of Xcel Energy’s system are separate from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council grid that serves large portions of New Mexico.
Customers can prepare for colder temperatures by taking steps to use electricity more efficiently, efforts that require minimal to no cost but can save money on monthly bills. Among those steps are: Opening blinds to take advantage of the sun's warmth during the day and closing them at night to insulate against the cold air outside.
Setting thermostats between 65-70 degrees when the home is occupied, and 58 degrees when no one is at home. A smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on routines and can save on heating costs.
Running ceiling fans clockwise during colder months so warm air near the ceiling is forced down.