Winter is coming and Xcel Energy has a little good news and some tips for the season to save money on energy bills and, more importantly, stay safe.

While only 3 to 6 inches of snow is expected in the Denver metro area, temperatures over the weekend may drop to as low as 14 degrees on Sunday night.

The power company encouraged customers to take steps to reduce energy bills throughout the cold-weather season.

Xcel said it also offers ways to help customers manage their bills, including payment plans, as well as connect customers in need to state energy assistance programs to help with bills.

Some good news is ahead, according to Xcel. The company said it expects average residential customer natural gas bills will be nearly 31% lower this winter compared to last winter, primarily due to the lower wholesale price of natural gas.

“If Colorado experiences normal weather this winter, the average Colorado residential customer will see their monthly natural gas bills decrease about 31% comparted to last winter,” the company said in a news release.

“To protect against market fluctuations in the price, Xcel Energy takes a number of steps, including storing natural gas for use during the heating season, and contracting for natural gas in advance,” the energy provider added. “For its electric customers, the company has a diverse energy mix, with many energy sources that can be used to minimize the effect of natural gas price increases on electric bills.”

Xcel has been working to reduce the chances of a repeat of the 2021 Valentine’s Day polar vortex that affected nearly the entire midsection of the country and killed more than 200 people in Texas. Winter Storm Uri ended up costing customers some $500 million because Xcel had to buy natural gas at historic and unheard of prices when it ran short.

Here are ways Xcel says customers can save energy and money this winter:

• Lower the thermostat a few degrees, ideally to 68 degrees or lower

• Adjust the programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature while away or asleep

• During daylight hours, open drapes and blinds to maximize heat from direct sunlight. To retain heat, keep them closed when it is dark

• Run ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down from the ceiling, adding comfort and savings

• Keep interior doors open to help circulate air more freely and maintain constant heating levels

Customers can find more ways to save on the energy savings tips page on xcelenergy.com. Customers can also learn more about programs, incentives and rebates that can help make homes and businesses more energy efficient.

Xcel encouraged customers to contact the company if they’re having trouble paying their bill, adding it provide options, such as payment plans and energy assistance programs. Customers can learn more about the energy assistance programs and resources on its website or by calling 1-800-895-4999.

Winter Safety Tips

Finally, it’s never too early to think about winter safety, Xcel said.

For natural gas customers:

• Have a plan for removing snow and ice from the natural gas meter. This includes having a clear path to the meter for easy access in an emergency.

• Gently remove snow or ice from the natural gas meter or outside appliance vents to avoid buildup of pressure in the gas lines or natural gas inside the home. Removing gently by hand is best.

• If there is damage to a gas meter due to snow or ice falling from the roof or nearby trees, move a safe distance from the gas meter before calling 911 and Xcel Energy at 800-895-2999.

• If customers experience a natural gas outage, do not try to relight gas appliances. Call Xcel Energy to check the gas meter, service lines and appliances. This service is free of charge.

Xcel said there are other ways customers can prepare and stay safe, notably by staying away from downed power lines. People should always assume an electric line, even one that is on or near the ground, is energized and therefore dangerous, the company said.

People should never, under any circumstance, touch or move a downed power line. If someone comes across a downed power line, it’s best to leave the area and report it immediately by calling 1-800-895-1999.

The company also encouraged people to build a home emergency kit. Xcel recommended assembling an easily accessible kit that can be used in the event of a power outage. Useful items may include:

• Xcel Energy’s phone numbers: 1-800-895-1999 for residential or 1-800-481-4700 for business

• Battery-powered radio or television

• Flashlights

• Batteries

• Back up phone chargers

• Battery-powered alarm clock

• Bottled water and nonperishable food

• Manual can opener

• First aid kit

• Extension cords (for partial outages)

• Manufacturer’s instructions on how to manually open power-operated doors (e.g., garage doors)

Heating safety

If using a space heater, customers should take care to ensure safety, as more than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year in the United States, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International.

In addition, people should:

• Make sure the heater has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, and read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels.

• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs and connections, and not use them if they are frayed, worn or damaged.

• Never leave a space heater unattended.

• Turn it off when leaving a room and don’t go to sleep with a space heater on.

Xcel said it also offers rebates and incentives to install energy efficient furnaces and insulation.