Xcel offers customers energy saving tips

  • BOGGS SCHOLARSHIP - Derrick Boggs recently held a golf tournament in his father’s name Jerry as it was one of his favorite hobbies. This year was the first scholarship in his name and was given to his granddaughter, a Morton senior Kayleigh. Pictured is Kayleigh receiving a $1,500 scholarship from MGA member Stacy Ruthardt. The senior will be attending Texas Tech University in fall and will be majoring in physical therapy. (Photo courtesy of Holly Boggs)
    BOGGS SCHOLARSHIP - Derrick Boggs recently held a golf tournament in his father’s name Jerry as it was one of his favorite hobbies. This year was the first scholarship in his name and was given to his granddaughter, a Morton senior Kayleigh. Pictured is Kayleigh receiving a $1,500 scholarship from MGA member Stacy Ruthardt. The senior will be attending Texas Tech University in fall and will be majoring in physical therapy. (Photo courtesy of Holly Boggs)

    Punishing summer heat has driven electricity demand higher across Xcel Energy’s Texas and New Mexico service area, but it’s not too late to take steps to use electricity more efficiently and lower bills during the warm days yet to come.

    Average temperatures across the region have been consistently higher than the norm throughout July. Xcel Energy offers tips to beat the persistent heat and save money at its Energy Saving Tips page at xcelenergy.com. These include: - Using weather stripping to seal doors and windows so cool air can’t escape; - Raising the thermostat level into the 80s when no one is at home, and then gradually lowering it to around 78 degrees when the house is occupied; - Investing in a “smart” thermostat that allows customers to program and, or adjust thermostat settings from a mobile device; - Closing blinds and drapes during the heat of the day to block the heat from sunlight - Using fans to circulate air throughout the home, even when the air conditioning is on; - Opening interior doors to allow cool air to circulate in the house. If there is a part of the house not in use, closing it off to keep the cool air where it is desired; - Putting off cooking and clothes drying and other chores that create heat inside the home until past 7 p.m.; and - Shading air conditioning units to boost their efficiency Additionally, installing LED bulbs helps stretch savings further because they use 70-90% less energy and last 15 times longer. Customers can take a further step toward ongoing savings by having their homes tested for air leaks that can make cooling and heating units less efficient and more costly to operate. Xcel Energy provides a list of approved energy efficiency contractors at xcelenergyefficiency.com that will find these air leaks and make energy-saving improvements free of charge.