Energy experts are now available to help Becker residents save energy and money on their electric and natural gas bills.

During a Home Energy Squad assessment, a trained expert will evaluate a home’s energy efficiency and offer suggestions on how to save energy and potentially reduce monthly bills. To qualify, homeowners and renters must be customers of either Xcel Energy or CenterPoint Energy.

“We know our customers want safe, reliable electricity and natural gas while keeping their bills as low as possible,” said Emmett Romine, Xcel Energy vice president of customer energy and transportation solutions. “The Home Energy Squad is a great opportunity for customers to gain more control over their energy use through a convenient in-home expert visit.”

Xcel Energy is offering its customers 50% off the cost of an in-home assessment now through Sept. 30.

Customers can choose between two levels of in-home assessments – Saver or Planner – depending on their individual energy goals.

What to Expect

During a Saver visit, an energy expert will install energy-saving materials where they’re needed for no additional cost. These could include LED lightbulbs, weather stripping for exterior doors, faucet aerators, and programmable thermostats. Customers enrolled in Xcel Energy’s AC Rewards program can receive a smart thermostat.

Based on the assessment, the expert will provide personalized recommendations for additional energy-saving measures, including rebates and financing options. Xcel Energy can support homeowners with the next steps for larger energy-saving projects, including connecting homeowners with qualified contractors.

During a Planner visit, customers will receive the benefits of a Saver visit, along with additional tests that can identify even greater savings. These include infrared imaging and a blower door test to find insulation gaps and air leaks in a home, which can be significant sources of energy loss. The expert will inspect a home’s attic and wall insulation to identify areas where improvements could be made.

The expert will also conduct safety tests on the home’s heating system and water heater to ensure they’re working at the right temperatures and venting properly to keep customers safe and comfortable at the lowest energy price.

How to Sign Up

A Home Energy Squad visit typically takes up to three hours to complete and costs $70 for a Saver visit or $100 for a Planner visit. The price is reduced in many cities. Free visits are available to income-qualified households.

Customers can schedule a visit on the Home Energy Squad’s website.

At checkout, customers can receive the 50% discount by entering code “SUMMER50” during the month of June, “JULY50” during July, “SAVE50” during August, or “FALL50” during September.