e-Newsletter

Outdoor lighting newsletter - January 2012

Welcome to the latest issue of Outdoor Lighting’s e-Newsletter for Minnesota’s city administrators and public works representatives. 

General Street Lighting Service Terms 

We’ve been working toward replacement of individual street lighting contracts with more comprehensive language in our tariffs over the past year and are pleased to inform you that this effort has been accomplished. On December 9, 2011, the Minnesota Public Utility Commission approved our proposal to provide general street lighting provision terms and conditions in our tariff sheets and eliminate the existing General Street Lighting Agreements. Providing this information in the tariff sheets eliminates the need for individual street lighting contracts and allows customers to reference appropriate information in one easily accessible place. 

Pursuant to the existing General Street Lighting agreement, cities received notification from us in January that their existing agreements with Xcel Energy will be terminated effective February 29, 2012. 

What does this mean to cities? Street lighting service remains unchanged and in effect, but now all relative terms and conditions are in one location on the tariff sheets in the Electric Rate Book filed with the Minnesota Public Utility Commission. 

You can find more information about street lighting services on our web page. 

If you have questions about General Street Light Service Terms, please send Bob Schommer an email or call him at 651-229-2440. 

Street Light Outage Reporting 

The most efficient way to report a street light outage is to use our online Street Light Outage form. Outages reported online are automatically sent to our database for review by a support services representative. Once you have completed the online form a confirmation number is provided, which can be used to track the status of your service order using our View Streetlight Outage Status tool. You’ll need to use the online form to get a confirmation number, which is required to utilize the tracking tool. You can still call it in at 1-800-960-6235, but we highly encourage online reporting. 

Interested in installing NEW street lights? 

Xcel Energy is committed to working with communities in our service territory on new street lights installations. We provide our customers with high-quality street light products and service. In the seven county metro area, please send an email to Ed Bieging or call 651-229-2400. Outside the metro area, send an email to Randy Kemnitz or call 651-229-2425. They can also provide bid information for standard or decorative street light installations and service agreement options. 

Understanding your options and lighting terminology 

To help you better understand your options when utilizing Xcel Energy owned street light systems and the terminology used, we encourage you to review the Descriptions and Terminology section available on this website. 

Interim Street Lighting Rates 

Interim rates are currently in effect. You can find more information about rates Xcel Energy’s current Minnesota Electric Rate Book. 

Questions? 

We have a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on this website just for Minnesota Outdoor Lighting customers. If you you’re wondering about something in particular, chances are someone else had the question too. Check it out! 

We’re always happy to answer specific questions about any of your street lighting needs. For general inquires call us at 800-960-6235, for questions about your invoice call 651-229-2255.