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News Releases 08/25/2006Xcel Energy announces new voluntary energy assistance program in Colorado; pledges dollar-for-dollar match Customers can make energy assistance donations through their monthly utility bills DENVER - Xcel Energy announced today a new voluntary energy assistance program that enables Colorado customers to make regular tax-deductible donations to Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) through their monthly utility bills. The company will match customers’ donations to EOC on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to $1 million. “We’re pleased to provide our Colorado customers with another way to donate to energy assistance,” said Pat Vincent, president and CEO of Public Service Co. of Colorado, an Xcel Energy company. “This program is right in line with our ongoing efforts to provide energy assistance to those in our community who need it most.” After Aug. 25, 2006, a small check box will be printed on all Xcel Energy billing statements for Colorado customers. By checking this box in the lower-left corner of the payment stub, customers will signal their participation in the program. Then, on the back of the payment stub, they can indicate the amount they would like to donate monthly. This amount will appear on their next Xcel Energy bill as a separate line item called “Voluntary EOC Donation” and will continue from month to month until they notify the company otherwise. Colorado customers can cancel their participation at any time without penalty by calling Xcel Energy customer service at 1-800-895-4999. All donations collected through this voluntary energy assistance program will go to EOC, an independent, nonprofit organization that raises money to help Colorado’s income-qualified families pay their energy bills. Over the past 15 years, the company has provided more than $60 million to EOC, serving as its greatest source of funding since its start in 1989. The voluntary energy assistance program is being implemented by utilities statewide as a result of the Low-Income Energy Assistance Act signed into law in May 2005 and authorized by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Colorado customers interested in learning more about this voluntary energy assistance program should contact Xcel Energy customer service at 1-800-895-4999. For more information about EOC, they can visit EnergyOutreach.org.
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