​Minneapolis - Nov. 26, 2024 -Over the coming days, significantly colder temperatures are expected throughout Minnesota with many areas of the state being forecast to experience temperatures in the single digits. CenterPoint Energy wants to remind customers it has a cold weather plan in place and is prepared for potential impacts from the colder weather ahead. This includes having crews stationed across the communities it serves and being ready to leverage fuel stored ahead of the winter heating season, if needed, to meet the anticipated increased customer demand for natural gas service. The company is also prepared to respond as safely and as quickly as possible to potential service issues.

Colder outdoor temperatures may require customers to use more energy to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature. CenterPoint is highlighting simple energy-saving and safety steps to help lower heating bills, while keeping customers safe and warm this winter.

CenterPoint offers various programs, tools and tips to help customers manage their bills and save energy. The company encourages those facing hardship to call CenterPoint to find out about payment arrangements and be referred to resources that may be available. To learn more, call 800-245-2377 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/PaymentAssistance.

Energy-saving Tips

• Make sure your heating system is operating safely and efficiently. An annual inspection and tune-up by a qualified technician are recommended. ​
  
• Change or clean your furnace filter regularly.This helps maximize your furnace's efficiency and life.
• Turn down your thermostat. By lowering your thermostat by 7-10 degrees at night or when you're away for at least eight hours, you can potentially save 10% on your heating costs. With a programmable thermostat, you can have your heating system work around your schedule.
• Keep warm air in and cold air out of your home. Use caulk or weather-stripping to seal leaks around doors, windows and other openings such as pipes or ducts. You can also roll up towels and push them against the bottom of the door's interior to help prevent heat loss. Close fireplace dampers when notin use, so you don't lose heat.
• Use window coverings and blinds effectively. If it's sunny outside, open your window coverings during the day to capture warmth from the sun, and close your coverings at night to keep warmth inside. If the sun's not shining, keep your window coverings closed to hold warmth inside.
• Circulate warm air with your ceiling fans.Set your ceiling fans to turn clockwise slowly to move warm air from the ceiling to your living levels.

To learn more about these and other energy-saving tips, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/SavingsTips.

Safety Tips

• Use space heaters safely. Make sure your 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 your 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 you suspect you could have CO poisoning, leave the area immediately, get fresh air and call 911.
• Immediately report a suspected natural gas leak. If you smell the "rotten egg" odor of natural gas,immediately leave on foot, go to a safe location and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815. Don't use electric switches and outlets, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

To learn more about natural gas safety, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/Safety .

CenterPoint is Minnesota's largest natural gas utility, serving the energy needs of more than 920,000 residential and business customers.

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