If you’re an Xcel Energy customer, you can now save money on your Xcel Energy bill. In this modern age, we can hardly do without electricity. But paying energy bills is not a walk in the park, especially for low income individuals. Fortunately, you can leverage Xcel’s special programs and some government-funded programs to save money.
In this article, we’ll discuss ways you can get help with your Xcel energy bill and also share some general energy-saving tips to keep your bills down.
Government Assistance Programs
First, we’ll discuss some government assistance programs to help you reduce your Xcel Energy bills.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is a government assistance program that helps low income households with their energy bills/services. Specifically, LIHEAP helps eligible households with the following:
- Energy bill payment assistance
- Weatherization services
- Heating and cooling energy costs
- Energy-related home repairs
- Energy crisis assistance
Only households who require financial assistance with energy costs are eligible for this program. This means that you must hit a certain income level to qualify, depending on your household size. However, you may be automatically eligible if you or your family members are currently beneficiaries of some government benefit programs like TANF, SNAP, and SSI.
To confirm your eligibility for LIHEAP, you need to contact your state LIHEAP office. You can also visit Energyhelp.us for more information on eligibility and application process for energy assistance.
Weatherization Assistance Program
The Weatherization Assistance Program offers complimentary home energy upgrades to qualifying homeowners and renters with limited incomes. The program aims to enhance energy efficiency and ensure your home is healthy and safe to live in.
This program collaborates closely with the Energy Assistance Program to provide long-term reductions in energy bills for low income individuals. If you’re eligible, a local Weatherization service provider will come to your home to conduct a free energy assessment to assess the potential for cost-effective energy efficiency improvements.
Some of the possible energy upgrades include:
- adding insulation to exterior walls and attics,
- minimizing air leakage,
- repairing or replacing furnaces, boilers, and water heaters, and
- offering suggestions to reduce energy consumption, such as utilizing programmable thermostats.
With all of these weatherization services, you can reduce your annual energy costs by up to 30%.
Xcel Energy Bill Assistance Programs
Xcel Energy has special programs that are available across their service area to help customers reduce their Xcel Energy bill. Some of these programs, however, are state-specific.
Let’s take a look at some of the programs Xcel Energy offers:
Xcel Payment Plan Options
The company offers many different payment options, so you can choose the Xcel payment plan that is right for you. Some of their options include:
- Average Monthly Payment: Take the guesswork out of your monthly bills by averaging your bills over the course of a 12 month period. This will remove the seasonal highs and lows so that you can pay a consistent amount each month.
- Custom Due Date: Choose the due date that aligns with your payday to make it easier to pay your Xcel energy bills on time.
- Payment Arrangements: If you can’t afford your current bill, you may be able to split it into six equal payments over the next six months. This can give you some relief.
In order to enroll in an Xcel payment plan, log into your online account and visit the Billing and Payment tab to set it up.
Power On and Gas Affordability Program (GAP)
This program is brought to you by Xcel Energy in collaboration with Energy CENTS Coalition to provide discounts on energy bills to low income customers in Minnesota. If you’re eligible, you can claim the benefits in two ways; forgiveness of past-due bills or an affordable monthly payment as a fraction of your monthly income.
If you fail to make payments, you can be removed from the program and you can’t apply until the next calendar year. You’re eligible for the program if you’re currently receiving assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
If you’re enrolled in the Energy Assistance Program, you may also qualify for the PowerOn and Gas Affordability program.
To apply for the program, you have to fill out a form and mail it to Energy CENTS Coalition, 823 E 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106. Don’t hesitate to apply now because applications are processed in the order they come until they exhaust the budget for assistance.
Electric Affordability Program (EAP)
The Electric Affordability Program is available to low income individuals in Colorado to get
- up to 25% discounts on their electricity bills,
- forgiveness of past-due balances, and
- Weatherization assistance through the Colorado Energy Office program.
The benefits you get from this program are based on your household income level and how much energy you consume. They use this information to set you on a monthly budget plan or determine how much discount you get on your electric bills.
Application for the program happens automatically when you are a beneficiary of any of the following;
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) from the state of Colorado,
- Colorado Energy Office, or
- Energy Outreach Colorado.
The HeatShare program comes from the Salvation Army to help low income individuals fund heat-related repairs and heating bills during long winter periods. The program was designed to be the last resort for those who have exhausted all their options for heating needs.
Eligibility for HeatShare is mostly need-based. You must provide proof that you have no other options left for your heating needs. The available HeatShare funding also plays a role in whether or not you get your heating needs met.
Funding for the HeatShare program comes from people who give to the cause and utility companies like Xcel Energy. Currently, the Xcel Energy HeatShare program only covers those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Backup Relief Program
Xcel Energy offers a program called the Backup Relief Program that can help you reduce your base electricity rate by 50%. Here’s how it works; during the peak heating times (October to May), Xcel Energy will interrupt your primary electric heat source, while your fossil-fuel backup comes on. This means that there’ll be more power available during the coldest winter days. So, everyone gets power.
However, to benefit from this program, you’ll need to get a backup fossil fuel heat source that can supply your heating needs when the electric heat source is interrupted. The backup heat source must also have enough backup fuel (fuel oil, natural gas, or propane) to meet at least 30% of your heating needs. It must be able to run for 12 hours.
Other eligibility requirements include:
- You must use an electric primary heat source such as a boiler or furnace
- You must be an Xcel Energy customer with nothing less than a 50KW load connected permanently
You may be skeptical about this program because it requires getting a backup heat source. However, it’s a one-time thing. You’ll save more over time.
Medical Electric Affordability Program
The Medical Electric Affordability Program (MEAP) is another special energy assistance initiative provided by Xcel Energy in collaboration with the Energy CENTS Coalition. The program is targeted at low- and fixed-income Minnesotans with special medical needs.
To be under this program, you have to agree to pay a fixed monthly income for electricity. The monthly fee is based on your household income. For every payment you make, a portion of your past-due amount is cleared by Xcel.
There’s a strict rule over defaulting. If you fail to pay when due, you may be removed from the program without room to apply until the next calendar year. You’re eligible for the program if
- You have a certified medical form with Xcel Energy
- You’re a benefactor of the Energy Assistance Program or you meet the income guidelines of up to 60% of Minnesota’s State Median Income
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you’ll have to complete and sign the application form, which must also be endorsed by a doctor (MD), nurse practitioner (NP), or physician’s assistant (PA).
State-Specific Assistance Programs
Do you need energy assistance that is specific to your state? There are some options available to you. See below for the programs attached to your state.
Xcel Energy in Colorado
There are some special programs to help reduce Xcel Energy bills for Colorado customers.
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) from the state of Colorado is a federally funded program designed to help low income households meet their heating needs during winter. The benefits include help with heating costs, as well as repair and/or replacement of faulty heating equipment.
There’s no limit to how many times you can apply for the benefits if you qualify. Eligibility is based on your income level. You may qualify if you earn up to 60% of the state median income level. You’ll also need to provide proof that you’re permitted to reside in the US.
You can apply in person at your local LEAP office or apply online through the Colorado PEAK website. Applications are open from November to April.
- Energy Outreach Colorado (E0C)
Energy Outreach Colorado is a nonprofit organization that offers help to low-income Coloradans to pay their energy bills. They also help with emergency repair or replacement of heating systems through their Crisis Intervention Program. However, the program is currently on hold due to depletion of funds.
EOC also helps to keep your energy bills down by offering free home energy efficiency upgrades through their CARE program. Other ways EOC offers help to low income Coloradans is through the Community Solar Program (to provide solar power) and the Healthy Homes Program. The latter is specifically for those in Denver with breathing conditions. The program helps eligible individuals with free home energy upgrades.
Xcel Energy in Michigan
If you’re an Xcel Energy customer in Michigan, you may be eligible for certain programs that can help you save on energy bills!
First, there’s the State Emergency Relief (SER), which is a crisis intervention program that can help you with some of your energy expenses. These include the cost of electricity, heating fuel, and home repairs. Although it’s designed to help low income families, it’s not meant to offer long-term help. SER only comes to the rescue during energy emergency issues.
The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) is another valuable resource to get help for your Xcel Energy bills. When you apply for SER, you get the option to select a MEAP provider to work with.
You can also turn to the Michigan Residential Low-Income Credit (MIRLIC) for help with your energy bills. MIRLIC offers -$9.00 for electric bills and -$12.00 for natural gas bills. You’ll automatically begin to receive these benefits if you’ve received assistance from any of the following:
- MI Home Heat Credit
- MI Dept of Human Services State Emergency Relief Utility grant
- MI Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
- Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition
You’ll find more information about the MIRLIC, as well as the application form in this application file.
Xcel Energy in Minnesota
Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota have several programs to help them reduce their energy bills. These include the Home Energy Savings Program, PowerOn and Gas Affordability Program, Medical Electric Affordability Program (MEAP), Backup Relief Program, and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). You’ll find more details about these programs later.
Another assistance available to Minnesotans is the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule. This program protects eligible households from service disconnection during the winter period, from October 1st to April 30. If you’re eligible for the program you’ll pay nothing more than 10% of your household income monthly for your XCel energy bill.
Xcel Energy in New Mexico
Are you an Xcel Energy customer in New Mexico? You’re not left out of the fun. There are assistance programs for you too. For example, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help you with heating and cooling costs.
There’s also a special type of LIHEAP called the Crisis LIHEAP and as the name implies, it assists in energy crises to eligible households. The Human Services Department (HSD) through the Crisis LIHEAP administers immediate assistance to households disconnected from utility service but have no alternative fuel.
If you’re able to obtain a medical certificate as someone who has a documented medical condition, Xcel Energy won’t charge you for late fees or disconnection notices. You’ll also be granted grace to find a suitable payment arrangement or find energy assistance.
Xcel Energy in North Dakota
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is one of the assistance programs available for Xcel Energy customers in North Dakota. Just like the LIHEAP in other states, the program serves eligible low income households helping them lower heating costs.
There are also home rebate programs you can explore to improve the energy efficiency in your home. You can check out the Water Heater Savings which offers a $500 rebate on a high-efficiency water heater. There are also rebates on water-saving tools like showerheads and aerators.
Xcel Energy in South Dakota
If you need help with your Xcel Energy bills in South Dakota, maybe you’ll qualify for the Low Income Energy Assistance program. This program is funded by the South Dakota Department of Social Services to help eligible low income residents pay for their heating costs. However, seniors and people living with disability are considered first in the application process.
Xcel Energy also offers a program to people who have backup heating sources. The program helps them lower their energy bill by providing a reduced rate of up to 50% during peak heating times from October to May. But you can also choose year-round participation. This entails switching up energy sources to save on your Xcel energy bill all year round.
Xcel Energy in Texas
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) offered by Texas can help lower your energy bills. The LIHEAP is collapsed into the CEAP to prevent duplication of services. There are income guidelines based on how much money you make and how big your family size is. But if you qualify, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs uses the fund provided by LIHEAP to:
- Provide support in energy crises
- Offer weatherization services and energy-related repairs
- Help pay energy bills, particularly for low income households that spend a large portion of their income on energy needs
Xcel Energy in Wisconsin
Get help with your Xcel Energy bill through the Keep Wisconsin Warm/Cool Fund (KWWF). The KWWF is a charitable initiative established to provide warmth and power for Wisconsinites, notably the elderly, veterans, disabled, and working families. You can use the county energy assistance map to locate local agencies where you can apply for KWWF.
Heat for Heroes is another charity initiative that provides energy assistance for veterans. But to enjoy the Heat for Heroes benefits, you must first apply for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP).
Now WHEAP is a state and federally funded program that provides energy assistance for low income households in Wisconsin. WHEAP benefits come in two forms; crisis assistance and regular benefits which include help with energy bills, as well as weatherization services and energy-related repairs.
If you’re a veteran who needs the Heat for Heroes benefits, after applying for WHEAP, the next step is to contact a Heat and Housing for Heroes representative. Even though your application for WHEAP is denied, you can still contact Heat for Heroes to communicate the problem and assistance you need.
Free Home Upgrades to Help with Xcel Energy Bills
You can also reduce your Xcel Energy bill by improving the energy efficiency in your home. Here are some programs that offer help:
Refrigerator Recycling Program
Xcel Energy pays you for your old refrigerator through the Refrigerator Recycling Program. When you get a new one, you can call them to come pick it up from where it is in your house, or from outside your house (curb, porch, garage, patio) for a no-contact pickup. They can also pick up your old window/room AC units as well as dehumidifiers when they come for the old refrigerator. Although there are no incentives for the other appliances.
You’re entitled to four pickups in a program year. But to qualify, you must own the refrigerator you’re recycling. Also, the refrigerator must be working and be between 10 and 30 cubic feet. The program is only available to Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota.
Home Energy Savings Program
The Home Energy Savings Program allows you to save money on electric as well as energy-efficient appliances. You may even qualify for free appliances and weatherization services. The energy savings program also provides you with a free energy audit on your home. Xcel Energy uses the audit to determine what type of appliances or other measures you need to ensure maximum energy efficiency in your home.
You have to meet the specified income level to qualify for the Home Energy Savings Program.
Light-Bulb Rebate List
Get LED bulbs at a lower price through the Xcel Energy Light Bulb Rebate List. With this program, you can purchase your next LED bulb for as low as $0.3. You also get over 90% discounts on ENERGY STAR LED bulbs. All you have to do to enjoy these benefits is to use Xcel Energy’s interactive tool to find participating stores, walk into the store, and find the Xcel Energy sticker next to the LED bulbs. It’s that easy!
Relief Recap
As a low income individual, you no longer have to worry about your energy bills. We’ve discussed numerous assistance programs that can help you, so confirm your eligibility for the programs available in your state, and start applying now.
Low Income Relief Team
This article is the product of a team effort! Multiple authors from the Low Income Relief team have contributed to this post. We have also used AI tools to organize data and refine the writing in accordance with our Responsible AI Use Policy. All articles on our website are reviewed by our founder and resident poverty expert, Nicole Thelin, prior to publication.