Xcel Energy announced this afternoon its intent to cease coal-fired generation at Sherco Units 1 and 2 in 2026 and 2023, respectively, while adding 1,200 MW of new renewable sources (800 MW of wind and 400 MW of solar) by 2020. According to the Xcel Energy website, Sherco Unit 1 has a generating capacity
Xcel Energy
MN PUC Approves First Minnesota Multiyear Plan, But Work Remains on Implementation
By Andrew Moratzka on
Posted in Regulation
Yesterday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (the “Commission”) met to address the first general rate case filed under section 216B.16 subd. 19 of the Minnesota Statutes. Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota Corporation, d/b/a Xcel Energy submitted the multiyear rate petition on November 4, 2013. In that petition, Xcel Energy asked for an increase in…
MN PUC Denies Return on Cost Overrun for Xcel Nuclear Project
By Andrew Moratzka on
Posted in Regulation
On Tuesday and Friday this week, the MN PUC heard arguments from various stakeholders regarding the Xcel Energy life cycle management and extended power uprate (LCM/EPU) projects. The stage for the arguments was set by the contested case proceeding and decision by an Administrative Law Judge (coverage here).
At Tuesday’s oral argument, the MN…
ALJ Recommends MN PUC Partially Disallow Xcel Energy’s $400 Million Cost Overrun on Monticello Project
By Andrew Moratzka on
Posted in Regulation
Today marked the release of the highly anticipated report and recommendations from the Administrative Law Judge tasked with reviewing Xcel Energy’s handling of the life cycle management and extended power uprate (LCM/EPU) projects The MN PUC initiated review of the LCM/EPU projects at the conclusion of Xcel Energy’s 2012 electric rate case after learning that…
Initial Take: Xcel Energy’s 2016-2013 Integrated Resource Plan for Minnesota
By Andrew Moratzka on
Posted in Regulation
Today, Xcel Energy filed its 2016 – 2030 Integrated Resource Plan. Xcel Energy’s proposal is fairly significant in scope – it proposes to cut CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030, add new renewable and natural gas generating resources, and lay the stage for reforming the resource planning process conistent with its framework filing and proposals…
Xcel Energy Submits Framework Filing in Response to e21 Report
By Andrew Moratzka on
Posted in Regulation
Today, Northern States Power Company, d/b/a Xcel Energy, submitted a filing to initiate a discussion with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regarding the recently released e21 Phase I Report (see our blog post here). Key components of Xcel Energy’s proposal to begin implementing the e21 Initiative’s vision include:
- Lead the effort to achieve carbon
…
To Need or Not to Need, that is the Question: MN PUC Answers in the Affirmative
By Andrew Moratzka & Sara Bergan on
On Monday, the MN PUC addressed whether ‘tis nobler in the pocketbook to suffer the slings and arrows of the MISO market or to invest in new generating units against a sea of uncertainty.
As we noted in prior blogs, the MN PUC initiated the competitive process seeking bids to meet a claimed capacity…
Xcel Announces Launch Date for its Community Solar Garden Program
By Sara Bergan & Andrew Moratzka on
Xcel announced this morning that it plans to open its Community Solar Garden program next Friday, December 12, 2014 at 9:00 AM CST. In its filing, the company attempts to clarify the “first-ready, first-served” application process it plans to follow. The company explains that Garden operators can view a time stamp marking when the application…
Northern States Power Company Issues 100 MW Solar RFP
By Sara Bergan on
Posted in Solar
* 5/14/14 update: FAQs released
Northern States Power Company (d/b/a Xcel Energy) released its long-awaited solar request for proposals (RFP) today. Although it had earlier suggested the RFP would be for up to 150 MW, today’s RFP seeks up to 100 MW of PV resources. The Company explained that the amount acquired through this RFP may…