Xcel Energy Offers Bill Assistance And Warns Of Scams

MINNEAPOLIS (WJON News) -- Xcel Energy is reminding people that there is assistance available for anyone struggling to pay their utility bill with the Cold Weather Rule ending on Wednesday.

The Minnesota Energy Assistance Program pays an average of $500 for heat and power costs, as well as emergencies such as repairing or replacing a broken furnace for eligible households.  Xcel also has affordability programs and payment options available. The Cold Weather Rule runs each year from October 1st to April 30th and helps protect residential energy customers from utility disconnections if it affects their primary heating source.

They also want to warn customers of scams that typically tick up this time of year. Xcel says in most cases, the scammer will tell the person their account is overdue and service will be disconnected if a large payment is not made.

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The scammer then instructs the person to purchase a pre-paid debit or credit card and demands they call back to make a payment. Xcel says they always initially contact customers by mail about past due bills, and people should never wire money, provide bank card numbers, or social security numbers to an unverified source.  When in doubt, hang up the phone immediately and then contact Xcel Energy directly.

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