Xcel Energy partners with Google to help customers manage energy

Xcel Energy announced Monday that it is working with Google to help their customers manage their energy use.

Through this collaboration, the Minneapolis-based energy provider is using Google Assistant to launch voice actions as a way for customers to access information about improving energy efficiency in their homes.

“Xcel Energy is always seeking ways to bring value to our customers through new energy options and enhanced service,” Brett Carter, executive vice president and chief customer and innovation officer at Xcel Energy, said. “We are excited to partner with Google and other tech leaders, as we create new ways to develop and deploy innovative energy solutions for our customers and leverage our investment in smart meter technology.”

Environmental sustainability is a strategic goal of Google. Over time, Xcel will look to expand its Google Assistant capabilities to give customers the ability to access account information, receive notifications and personalize their energy management using voice-enabled devices, such as the Nest thermostat.

Xcel Energy began working with Nest in 2015 on an energy savings program called Seasonal Savings, which fine-tunes temperatures to help customers save energy and lower bills. Xcel Energy is currently scaling up efforts to deploy smart thermostats for home energy management. This new partnership with Google Assistant will enhance those efforts.

Xcel Energy provides energy to eight Western and Midwestern states.