Energy providers are encouraging customers to conserve energy amid extreme cold across the United States.

Xcel Energy said in a news release that an increase in wholesale gas prices is expected to last a few days.

The cold weather is expected to affect the production of and demand for natural gas, which Xcel Energy purchases to deliver to customers and to generate electricity.

CenterPoint Energy in its own statement Friday encouraged Minnesota customers to temporarily lower their thermostat settings to help conserve energy and save money.

At least through Tuesday, Jan. 16, CenterPoint Energy is asking its customers, if possible, to reduce their thermostat settings to 65 degrees during the day when they are at home and lower the setting an additional 5 degrees when they are asleep or away from home, according to a news release.

Taking that step can help limit the impact of higher natural gas prices on customers’ bills as CenterPoint Energy continues to provide safe and reliable service, the company said.

Xcel said Friday that supply and demand have increased the price of wholesale gas, but the increase expected will be significantly smaller than the increase in price in 2021 during Winter Storm Uri.

Xcel recommends people with a natural gas furnace to set their thermostats between 65 and 70 degrees while they’re home, and 58 degrees if they’re away.

As always, if a person smells a scent like sulfur or rotten eggs in or near the home, they should leave immediately and not turn on or off any electrical devices, as it could be a possible gas leak.

Go outside and Xcel Energy customers should call 1-800-895-2999 to report the problem. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

CenterPoint Energy advises customers in that situation to 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/outlets, phones (including cellphones), drive or start a car inside or close to the location or do anything that could cause a spark.

More energy-saving tips can be found on the Energy Savings Tips page at xcelenergy.com or the CenterPoint Energy website at CenterPointEnergy.com/EnergySavingTips.

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