News Releases

Xcel Energy offers help to low-income households

FARGO, N.D. - Xcel Energy Foundation announced a $20,000 grant to the Energy Share organization in North Dakota, and the company continues to fund an energy audit program for income-qualified households.

Xcel Energy Foundation’s grant enables the Energy Share emergency program to provide low-income households with resources to help pay their energy bills.  The Energy Share program is administered through state community action agencies and provides assistance when all the clients’ resources, such as federally-funded programs, have been exhausted.

Xcel Energy customers also may contribute to the program through their Xcel Energy account on a monthly basis or with a one-time gift.  Over the past year, customers have contributed $6,000 to the program.

“We realize what a challenge it can be for customers to pay their winter heating bills, especially when fuel costs are rising,” said Mark Nisbet, North Dakota principal manager for Xcel Energy.  “We are committed to helping these families in crisis.”

In addition to the grant, Xcel Energy provides funding for an energy audit program that is free to income-qualified customers.  The Community Action agencies in Fargo, Grand Forks and Minot conduct the education program, which provides conservation materials and specific recommendations for each household.  The program also includes safety and efficiency checks of the home’s heating equipment. 

Customers can get further information about these programs by contacting their local Community Action Agency:

• Fargo 701-232-2452
• Grand Forks 701-746-5431
• Minot 701-839-7221

Xcel Energy also helps customers manage winter heating bills through the Averaged Monthly Payment plan, and with information in the “60 Simple Ways” brochure and the on-line “Home Energy Analyzer.”  See www.xcelenergy.com or call 1-800-895-4999 for more information.