MINNEAPOLIS - Help is available for customers facing high heating bills as a result of
significantly higher natural gas prices and the coldest winter in three decades, Xcel Energy
said today.

"We know many customers are struggling to pay their heating bills, and we're here to
help them find financial assistance and set up payment arrangements," said Dave Sparby,
president and CEO of Northern States Power Co.-Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company.
"Federal energy assistance funds for low-income customers still are available through the
state of Minnesota. Xcel Energy customers who need help paying their bills should call 1-
800-895-4999, and our customer representatives will help them set up payment
arrangements and also refer them to the appropriate agency to determine if they're eligible
for federal assistance."

Xcel Energy projects residential customers' heating bills in Minnesota for the five winter
months (November through March), will be about 32 percent higher than last winter. For
example, a typical customer whose heating bill totaled $490 for the winter of 2012-2013 will
pay an estimated $645 this winter.

The bulk of the increase is due to natural gas prices that are about 25 percent higher than
last winter. The commodity cost passes directly to customers; Xcel Energy does not benefit
from higher natural gas prices. Bills also increased because Minnesota residential customers
used more natural gas than last winter due to cold weather.

Sparby also reminded customers that Xcel Energy has a variety of programs and home
services to help them learn how to use natural gas more efficiently. "We also provide
incentives for purchasing high-efficiency appliances such as furnaces and water heaters," he
said.

Customers can learn more about energy conservation and rebate programs by visiting
www.responsiblebynature.com or by calling 1-800-895-4999.

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