News Releases

Xcel Energy encourages customers to help reduce peak electricity demand by using Saver’s Switch

 Nearly ­­­­­88,000 customers already participating

DENVER - Xcel Energy customers can help reduce peak electricity demand by enrolling in the Saver’s Switch program. The program allows Xcel Energy, by remote control, to cycle central air-conditioning compressor units on and off for brief intervals during peak energy usage days. Nearly 88,000 Xcel Energy residential customers in Colorado participate in the program.

Customers enrolled in the Saver’s Switch program receive an annual $25 discount on their electricity bills while helping Xcel Energy avoid purchasing high-priced electricity during peak-use periods. All together, the program could reduce electricity demand by nearly 97 megawatts, about as much as it would take to power about 75,000 homes. Saver’s Switch has been available to Colorado customers with central air conditioning since 1999.

"Not only does it allow us to avoid purchasing high priced electricity at times of peak demand, but Saver’s Switch helps us reduce stress on our distribution system, which can cause power outages when overloaded," said Patrik Ronnings, product portfolio manager for Xcel Energy. "Activation of the Saver’s Switch generally occurs on very hot summer days when demand for electricity reaches high-levels."

Xcel Energy encourages interested residential customers to call Xcel Energy’s 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-895-4999 to enroll in the program. Customers can also enroll on Xcel Energy’s Web site at www.xcelenergy.com.

Xcel Energy’s Saver’s Switch program details:

• Saver’s Switch allows Xcel Energy to cycle central air-conditioner compressor units on and off at brief (15-20 minutes) intervals by remote control. On control days the program typically runs between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
• Generally, activation occurs on hot summer days. The program is typically activated about 10-15 days every summer (June-August), and not on weekends or holidays. The program could also be activated in emergencies when the integrity of the electricity system is in danger.
• Only Xcel Energy customers with central air conditioning are eligible. Certain other restrictions apply. Please see full program details at www.xcelenergy.com/saversswitch-CO. Residential customers in Colorado who enroll receive a $25 credit on their October utility bill each year they participate.
• Saver’s Switch is available in the following areas: Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Bow Mar, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Centennial, Cherry Hills Village, Clifton, Columbine Valley, Denver, Edgewater, Englewood, Erie, Evans, Federal Heights, Fruita, Golden, Grand Junction, Greeley, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Lafayette, Lakeside, Lakewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, Longmont, Louisville, Morrison, Mountain View, Northglenn, Palisade, Platteville, Sheridan, Superior, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and Windsor.
• To enroll, residential customers should call Xcel Energy’s 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-895-4999.
• For daily updates on Saver’s Switch control period times, call Xcel Energy’s Saver’s Switch hotline at 1-800-835-6776.