For this season, the gift of heat might be warmly received

In a truly heartwarming gesture, give the gift of heat this holiday season, state energy officials are suggesting. "Looking for a last minute gift? Like to make a real difference? Help others keep their energy bills a little lower," the state Office of Energy Security said in a press release Friday.

With average heating bills up 11 percent this chilly winter, and with a recession-struck friend or relative on everyone's gift list, local utilities are giving thoughtful Santas several options. Xcel Energy Inc. offers gift certificates in amounts from $20 to $500. The utility estimates it sells 300 to 400 of them a year.

CenterPoint Energy suggests sending a check to its Houston headquarters with a note saying "gift payment," and the customer's name and address.

And for those with a more general goodwill-for-all spirit, the Salvation Army welcomes tax-deductible donations to its HeatShare program, which last winter distributed $2 million to more than 6,000 Minnesota households. Contributors can't specify a particular recipient, but they can ask that their donations stay in their own communities.