Xcel Energy files initial quarterly gas cost adjustment

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9/17/2009

DENVER – Xcel Energy announced that it would begin adjusting natural gas commodity rates on a quarterly basis rather than a monthly basis, as directed by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). In its first quarterly projection for natural gas rates and usage, Xcel Energy today estimated that natural gas bills for the fourth quarter of 2009 would be 7 percent to 9 percent lower than in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Xcel Energy estimates that a typical residential customer’s monthly bill will be $72.76 in the fourth quarter of 2009, based on average monthly consumption of 94.4 therms. This compares to $79.89 for the fourth quarter of 2008, based on average monthly consumption of 93.7 therms during the quarter.

Typical small-business customers are expected to see monthly bills of $308.50 in the fourth quarter, based on an average monthly consumption of 413 therms. This compares to monthly bills in the fourth quarter of 2008 of $333.10, based on the same monthly consumption of 413 therms.

The proposed quarterly rates include usage and costs for October, November and December 2009.  Xcel Energy’s natural gas commodity rates proposed to the Colorado Public Utilities Commission for residential and small-business customers will decrease approximately 13 percent from a similar period last year, to a quarterly average of $0.5596 per therm for residential customers and $0.5620 per therm for small-business customers. The fourth quarter 2008 commodity rate estimates were $0.6453 for residential and small-business customers.

Xcel Energy does not profit from the sale of the natural gas commodity. All costs associated with increases or decreases in the commodity price of natural gas are passed along to customers on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The filing submitted today would take effect Oct. 1, 2009, if approved by the CPUC.

Energy Efficiency/Energy Assistance

Xcel Energy encourages customers to explore ways to conserve energy and lower their natural gas bills  by calling 1-800-895-4999 for a free copy of “60 Simple Ways to Save Money on Your Energy Bill.” Customers also are encouraged to contact the company for information on Averaged Monthly Payment. Business customers may order a free copy of the “

href="https://forms.xcelenergy.com/_layouts/FormViewer.aspx?xsn=BusinessEnergySavingsGuide.xsn">Small Business Guide to Energy Savings

Customers may also wish to seek low-income energy assistance and information on energy efficiency programs by contacting the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which starts Nov. 1, or Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC). Call 1-866-HEAT HELP (1-866-432-8435) for further information.

This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements are intended to be identified in this document by the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “projected,” “objective,” “outlook,” “possible,” “potential” and similar expressions. Actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions, including their impact on capital expenditures; business conditions in the energy industry; competitive factors; unusual weather; changes in federal or state legislation; regulation; risks associated with the California power market; currency translation and transaction adjustments; the higher degree of risk associated with
Xcel Energy’s non-regulated businesses compared with Xcel Energy’s regulated business; and the other risk factors listed from time to time by Xcel Energy in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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