Starting today (Nov 25) and over the coming holiday week, significantly colder temperatures and snowy conditions are expected throughout Minnesota. Colder weather may require customers to use more energy to maintain a comfortable temperature inside their homes, so CenterPoint Energy is highlighting energy-saving and safety resources to help manage energy usage, while keeping customers safe and warm.
"Our employees work year-round to provide safe, reliable and resilient natural gas service to our Minnesota customers when they need it most and are positioned throughout our service area to respond to customer needs. While our workers remain focused on delivering energy, we know that customers want to keep their bills manageable. We encourage them to take easy steps to help reduce their energy use and save money even as the temperatures drop, while keeping their loved ones safe and warm," said Brad Steber, CenterPoint's Vice President of Minnesota Gas.
CenterPoint's preparedness actions in Minnesota
CenterPoint prepares year-round for cold weather in Minnesota through proactive efforts that aim to provide safe, reliable and resilient energy service, such as:
- Monitoring the natural gas system 24/7 and implementing cold weather action plans.
- Conducting infrastructure projects to modernize our natural gas distribution system.
- Leveraging natural gas, propane and/or liquefied natural gas stored ahead of the winter heating season.
- Staging crews across the company's service area to respond to potential service issues safely and as quickly as possible.
Quick and easy tips to save energy and money
CenterPoint encourages customers to follow these easy tips that can make a difference on monthly heating bills:
- Turn down the thermostat. Lowering the thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night, or when away for at least eight hours, can potentially save 10% on heating costs. Customers can use a programmable thermostat to have the heating system work around their schedule.
- Check the furnace filter. Change or clean the filter to maximize the efficiency of the furnace.
- Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open window coverings during the day, and close coverings at night to keep warmth inside. If the sun's not shining, keep window coverings closed to hold warmth inside.
- Keep warm air in and cold air out of the home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. Close fireplace dampers when not in use to prevent heat loss.
- Visit the online CenterPoint Energy Efficiency Store for products that bring savings. Order free window insulation kits, showerheads and weatherization products. Through Dec. 2, customers can take advantage of discounted thermostats during the store's Black Friday sale.
Smart actions to stay safe
- Use space heaters safely. Make sure a space heater has an automatic shut-off, and keep children, pets and all items at least three feet away from it. A space heater that uses natural gas, propane or wood should be vented to the outside. Stoves and ovens should never be used for space heating.
- Test carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms to make sure they work properly. Change batteries regularly. Alarms don't last forever, so replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Know the signs of CO poisoning. Early symptoms such as headache and fatigue are similar to the flu, but without a fever. Continued CO exposure can lead to more severe headaches, dizziness, nausea, difficulty thinking clearly and fainting. If everyone in a household is experiencing these symptoms, it could be CO poisoning. If someone suspects they could have CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
- Smell gas? Act fast! Natural gas has a distinctive rotten egg smell. If anyone detects this odor, they should leave their location immediately without using electrical switches or phones. Once in a safe location, call 911 and CenterPoint Energy.
Winter financial assistance resources and support available for customers
CenterPoint is dedicated to supporting customers who may have difficulty paying their energy bill. Throughout the year, but especially in the winter months when global energy prices and home heating costs are historically higher, please contact CenterPoint for bill payment and assistance options. Among the many key programs and resources include:
- Cold Weather Rule payment plans. The Cold Weather Rule protects Minnesotan residential customers who are experiencing financial hardship from having their utility service disconnected between Oct. 1 and April 30 if they set up and maintain a payment plan. The payment agreement considers a customer's financial situation and any extenuating household circumstances. CenterPoint customers should call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday - Friday to set up a payment agreement.
- Energy assistance. CenterPoint representatives can refer customers to resources such as Minnesota's Energy Assistance Program which provides financial assistance for heating costs and furnace repairs for income-eligible households.
- Flexible payment arrangements. CenterPoint customers can enroll in an Average Monthly Billing Plan, which spreads costs throughout the year to help manage periods of peak usage such as the winter heating season
- Energy efficiency resources. Rebates and programs are available to help customers improve home energy efficiency and lower their bills. For qualifying customers, programs may be available at no cost or a reduced rate.
To learn more about these programs and resources, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.
