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Xcel Energy extends low summer price for valuable home energy audit 

MINNEAPOLIS - Xcel Energy customers have an extra month to take advantage of a special summer price for the company’s valuable Home Energy Audit. The company is extending its low summer rate of $25 until the end of September, offering a $10 savings for a personalized energy report from state-certified auditors.

“With the potential for increases in the price of natural gas this winter, now is a great time for customers to take advantage of the Home Energy Audit,” said energy audit product manager Crystal Manik. “Efficient energy use is the best way to offset possible increases in natural gas costs, and the Home Energy Audit will offer customers countless ways they can improve energy efficiency in their homes.”

Manik said the company’s expert energy auditors will look at more than 25 areas in the home, analyze energy use and leave the customer with a prioritized list of improvements that will lead to both more efficient energy use and increased comfort. The audit is worth up to $150 and typically can have the most impact for homes built before before 1990.

The audit includes these key inspections:

• Central air conditioner and furnace efficiency
• Blower door testing to check for air leakage from windows and doorways
• Attic and wall insulation
• Water heater and pipes
• Household appliances
• Furnace safety test including draft and carbon monoxide testing

Customers who take advantage of the offer will receive a free energy-saving compact fluorescent bulb. The charge for the audit will be included on customers’ regular Xcel Energy bill.

The Home Energy Audit is available to Minnesota Xcel Energy residential customers who live in single-family homes, townhouses, duplexes, or three- or four-plexes, and are billed directly by Xcel Energy for electricity and/or natural gas. Customers are not eligible if they’ve had an audit within the past three years.

To request an audit, customers can call Xcel Energy’s 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-895-4999.  An auditor will call back within two weeks to schedule the energy audit.  Customers must call by September 30, 2003, to receive the special $25 pricing.