Xcel Energy says Colorado customers can lower energy bills by pre-cooling their homes - CBS Colardo

Xcel Energy says Colorado customers can lower energy bills by pre-cooling their homes - CBS Colorado

Xcel Energy says Colorado customers can lower energy bills by pre-cooling their homes

Xcel Energy says using your air conditioner at certain times during the day can cost you more. And Xcel says lowering your thermostat during off-peak hours or overnight can help you save money.

Xcel's advice comes as Coloradans are expected to experience extreme temperatures later this week. First Alert Meteorologist Callie Zanandrie says after a brief two-day cool down, Colorado is rolling right into a prolonged heat wave set to surge into the Rockies.

Xcel says using heat-generating appliances during off-peak hours will also help save on the summer electric bill.

In summer, Time of Use rates run from June 1 to September 30 and are as follows:

- Off-Peak (18 hours – 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.) - $0.12/kWh
- Mid-Peak (2 hours – 1 to 3 p.m.) - $0.22/kWh
- On-Peak (4 hours – 3 to 7 p.m.) - $0.32/kWh
- Residential Opt-Out - $0.16/kWh

Weekends and Holidays are billed at the off-peak rate.

Xcel says home cooling accounts for nearly half of a customer's summertime electric bill. Xcel says you can lower your rates by installing a programmable thermostat, using ceiling fans, using an attic fan to draw in cool nighttime air, changing AC filters and close the drapes or blinds during the heat of the day.