MINNEAPOLIS — Xcel Energy is asking 600 business customers in Minnesota and North Dakota to reduce their natural gas usage because of higher demand from the cold.

The Minneapolis-based company says the customers are those who take part in interruptible gas rates programs. They’ve agreed to cut back on usage in exchange for reduced rates year-round.

Xcel says its system is ready for the frigid temperatures. But if an electricity outage happens, customers can get updates at www.xcelenergy.com.