Midwestern utility company Xcel Energy’s ambitious plan to reduce its carbon emissions while delivering reliable energy and keeping customers’ bills low has been approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
Xcel’s Upper Midwest Energy Plan contains new investments in renewable energy sources, including battery energy storage systems, wind, and solar power. It also includes investment in a natural-gas fired power plant as well as extending the lives of its two carbon-free nuclear plants.
The plan is expected to reduce the utility’s carbon emissions from 2005 levels by over 80% by 2030, even potentially reaching up to 88%.
Xcel Energy was the first U.S. electric provider to commit to and deliver 100% carbon-free electricity and has followed through on its plan to retire all of its coal plants by 2030.
Xcel Energy’s plan was developed with its customers’ needs in mind, particularly those on its Upper MIdwest electric system, which serves Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Michigan. Electricity use in these regions is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, due to expanding business operations, EV adoption, and the electrification of homes and businesses.
“Our plan positions us to advance our clean energy vision by adding wind and solar resources while reinforcing the reliability of the grid with battery storage and clean natural gas,” said Ryan Long, president of Xcel Energy—Minnesota, South Dakota and North Dakota, in a statement. “By working together with the Commission and our stakeholders, we’ll meet the unprecedented growth in electricity demand in our region, invest in our communities, and maintain reliable and resilient service for our customers.”
Read more details about Xcel’s commitment to renewable energy sources here.