Xcel Energy touts lower natural-gas bills for coming winter season

DENVER – Xcel Energy Inc. is asking permission to adjust its rates for natural gas and electricity for the fourth quarter of this year that likely will result in lower natural-gas bills during the coming winter season.

Xcel estimates the adjustment would result in a 20 percent decline in gas bills and a 4 percent increase in electricity bills for typical residential and small-business customers compared with the fourth quarter of 2014.

Xcel is allowed to adjust its rates quarterly based on fluctuating costs of commodities, including natural gas. If approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, new rates would go into effect Oct. 1 and remain in effect at least for three months until the next quarterly adjustments are filed.

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Xcel said natural-gas bills on average for the remainder of the year will decline $61 per month for small businesses and $14 per month for residences. Electricity bills on average will increase $2.69 per month for residents and $4.79 per month for small businesses.