LUBBOCK, Texas– Xcel Energy said on Thursday that in-person meter reading is set to resume May 4 for Xcel Energy’s customers and May 18 for New Mexico customers, according to an Xcel news release.

To ensure the safety of Xcel field crews, Xcel Energy requested that members of the public not approach them in the field.

The company will tell customers by phone before field crews read the meters in residential areas, according to the release.

Below is the full news release from Xcel Energy:

AMARILLO, Texas (April 30, 2020) – In-person meter reading, which had been temporarily on hold for residential customers since April 14 to address coronavirus concerns, will resume May 4 for Xcel Energy’s Texas customers and May 18 for New Mexico customers.

To allow meter readers and field crews to do their critical work, and for everyone’s safety, Xcel Energy is requesting that members of the public not approach them in the field. This helps maintain social distance to keep everyone healthy. Xcel Energy will notify customers that they will be reading residential meters in the area via outbound calls.

The company wants to assure everyone that the safety of its employees, customers and the public is always its top priority. All Xcel Energy employees are following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Xcel Energy meter readers also will be wearing protective masks while working in the field.

The company is taking extra safety measures including enhanced cleaning protocols, requiring any employee who feels sick or has symptoms to stay home with pay, limiting the number of people riding in company vehicles to job sites and maintaining social distance.

As communities and families face the challenges caused by the spread of COVID-19, Xcel Energy has announced it will not disconnect residential customers’ electric service until further notice. The company is also working with customers to arrange payment plans if they are having difficulty paying their bills through this challenging time.

Customers can contact Xcel Energy by calling 1-800-895-4999 and using the automated phone system or speaking with a representative. Support is also available at www.xcelenergy.com by logging onto My Account.