1. XCEL ENERGY MEDICAL NEEDS INITIATIVES IN CO
Scott Brockett
Director, Regulatory Administration

2. Medical Needs Programs, Protections in Colorado
Protections per Commission rules
Company administration and practices
Relief from tiered rates

3. PROTECTIONS PER COMMISSION RULES
Specific rules governing discontinuation of service for medical needs customers
Disconnection postponed for 90 days if customer has medical certificate issued by Colorado-licensed physician or healthcare practitioner acting under physician’s authority
Certificate attests that discontinuation of service would aggravate an existing medical condition or create a medical emergency for customer or resident of customer’s household
Certificate must include some basic information to ensure legitimacy, but utility cannot contest the medical judgment as long as certification meets rule requirements
Utility cannot require payment from customer as condition of honoring a medical certificate
Customer can invoke this 90-day postponement once every 12 consecutive months

4. COMPANY ADMINISTRATION
Public Service has a Personal Accounts Department whose sole mission is to serve low-income and medical needs customers
All issues involving such customers directed to this department
All representatives trained specifically to serve utility needs of low-income and medical needs customers
They are also trained to help customers locate other assistance
Energy assistance (LEAP)
Partnering agencies through EOC network
Rental, food, medical, critical home repair

5. OVERALL PROTECTIONS
Rules provide appropriate protections and provide customers with up to 90 days to address bill payment issues
We provide additional support and referrals tailored to individual customer’s needs

6. TIERED RATES EXEMPTION
Public Service charges tiered rate in summer –higher usage charge applied to all monthly use above 500 kWh
Medical needs customers can request to be served under a flat usage charge in summer
Beneficial if their medical needs entail high electric usage