Latest news with #XcelEnergy
CBS News
a day ago
- Business
- CBS News
Residents in Colorado's Elbert County fight Xcel Energy over transmission line running through their properties
As Colorado's energy infrastructure ages, Xcel Energy is aiming to build 550 miles of new transmission lines to accommodate the grid and Colorado's continuous growth. However, residents in Elbert County are resisting efforts from Xcel's proposition, as a portion of the project is intended to travel through the county, which they say will disrupt their way of life. Wednesday night, the Planning Commission voted to recommend denying Xcel's application to the Board of County Commissioners at the end of the month. Until then, Xcel has begun eminent domain initiatives as well as having already acquired nearly 50% of the land needed for the project voluntarily. Tuesday night at the county fairgrounds in Kiowa, Xcel presented their application to the Planning Commission. It went so long, it spilled over to Wednesday night. The Elbert County Staff of Community Development and Services deemed the application incomplete for not submitting more detail about wildfire protection, and recommended to the Planning Commission to deny the application, which they did. Route of Segment 5 The entire Power Pathway project consists of five segments, with Segments 2 and 3 completed and Segment 1 under construction. Xcel's $1.7 billion double-circuit 345-kilovolt electric transmission line will be used to increase reliability across Colorado. "If we lose one of our transmission segments, we have the ability to route electricity around the state," Andrew Holder, the Xcel Community Relations Director, told the commission during Tuesday's meeting. Xcel Energy's proposed line, Segment 5. CBS Colorado But for years, Xcel and those directly impacted or simply living in Elbert County have been at odds over the avenue of Segment 5. "The proposed route selected in Elbert County... is the least impactful compared to other route alternatives evaluated," said the Siting and Land Rights Manager, Jennifer Chester, in her presentation for Xcel to the Planning Commission. "A lot of folks are ranchers. It's our charge to take care of this land where we live," says Kerry Jiblits, who lives in Elbert County. Jiblits is a board member for the Elbert County Environmental Alliance (ECEA) with more than 400 people on its mailing list. While the transmission line isn't going through her property, Elbert County is her home. She "moved here for a reason," she says. The group formed to resist projects that harm the environment and wildlife in the area, Jiblits tells CBS Colorado. They are environmentalists who are all in for renewables. "We're not against the project, we're against this route." Xcel on the other hand, is looking to unlock solar and wind power potential with all that open space on the Eastern Plains. The utility company told CBS Colorado in a statement in part, "We have collaborated with the Elbert County community for four years, addressing questions, concerns and acquiring land rights voluntarily. We adjusted the project's location by 50 miles to accommodate community wishes while keeping project costs low for our customers." Those who participated in Tuesday's public comment say otherwise. "There was not one single person who spoke in favor of Xcel other than the Xcel representatives," Jiblits tells CBS Colorado. She and others in ECEA have met with Xcel many times and even with the president of Xcel Energy-Colorado, Robert Kenney. "Their idea of collaboration is to tell you that this is what [they're] going to do. They have not worked with us in the least." Risk of wildfire But the risk of wildfire is why the Community Development and Services staff in its presentation Tuesday recommended that denial. "The applicant has not submitted the request level of detail of information for proof of fire protection or risk associated with fire behavior." "Wildfire is a huge concern out here," says Jiblits. The Magic Dog fire last October near CO-86 used aerial firefighters, Jiblits tells CBS Colorado. The water came from a body that is adjacent to the proposed Segment 5 route. "They scooped water out of a pond nearby. The transmission lines will be going right next to that pond now. How are they going to be able to access that water?" CBS Colorado reached out to Elizabeth Fire Rescue about how they plan to work around the line in the future, but have not heard back. Elbert County fire districts cover at least 700 square miles and firefighters in the area are mostly volunteer. There's a way to avoid the risk. According to a 2021 study by Pacific Gas & Electric Co., the utility company is taking on the ambitious goal of burying 10,000 miles of above-ground electric distribution power lines in high-risk wildfire areas, which is called undergrounding. Even though PG&E has logistical and technical challenges awaiting it, as well as a near $20 billion price tag, it's possible and currently happening. The first speaker at Tuesday's meeting, Mike Walker of Elizabeth, said, "Xcel says it costs too much to bury the lines." What's in it for Elbert County? "There's no benefit. The power is for the Denver metro area," says Jiblits. Xcel told CBS Colorado, "While we do not provide electric service to Elbert County residents, the Pathway project will provide important tax revenue benefiting the county, cities, fire and school districts." Although Jiblits, and many in the county, aren't buying it. "The taxes that we will get from this project, will be offset by the money we lose in decreased property values and property valuations," says Jiblits. On its website, Xcel says they've used a third-party real estate appraiser analysis, and the transmission line will not impact property vales. Additionally, Holder said on Tuesday that Xcel will pay a 1.26% tax on its new facilities, on top of a $2.5 million project impact fee. "Their attitude is, 'We're going to do what we want. What you say doesn't matter.' They're just going through and checking boxes," Jiblits says. Eminent domain "There were several people who wanted to speak," Jiblits says about Tuesday night's meeting, "but who were unable to speak because of the ongoing litigation." That is eminent domain proceedings. Xcel told CBS Colorado partly, "We remain committed to making every effort to reach a fair and reasonable settlement, but when negotiations are unsuccessful, we have to exercise our eminent domain authority." Although alternate lines have been offered, Segment 5 is moving ahead as proposed. Jiblits says, with larger acreage farther east, families won't be as impacted from the project. "There are already rights of way out there that they could follow and use. They don't need to take our land for their project." Xcel and Elbert County residents will have to wait more than two weeks for a vote from the Board of Commissioners on June 24.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Xcel Energy Powering More of the Economy as Energy Transition Continues
Company has also reduced carbon emissions 57% since 2005 MINNEAPOLIS, June 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Xcel Energy is powering even more of the economy as it continues to reduce the carbon emissions from its operations, the company announced in its 20th annual Sustainability Report today. The company now provides reliable electric service to data centers, vehicle charging, home heating, natural gas development and other areas of the economy that spur growth and support opportunities for customers to choose cleaner energy sources. As it provides value to customers in new ways, Xcel Energy has also continued to reduce carbon emissions from the electricity it provides to customers, with carbon emissions 57% below 2005 levels. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to provide reliable, affordable, sustainable and safe energy to the millions of people we serve," said Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Xcel Energy. "We are particularly proud of the progress we have made on our journey to a carbon-free electricity future, and we have done so with the most expansive set of clean energy resources in the country, including wind, solar, nuclear, hydro and natural gas." The carbon reduction progress brings Xcel Energy closer to its industry-leading vision it established in 2018 to provide customers with 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. "Whether you're a resident of a single-family home or a technology company powering a data center, the energy we provide enables you to choose cleaner alternatives for your home or business and drives our economy forward," Frenzel said. Maintaining reliability while adding renewable energy Xcel Energy remains committed to delivering reliable, low-cost energy to its customers. The company outperforms the industry reliability standard, restoring 92% of affected customers' power within 24 hours during active storm days, and has an overall electric service reliability of 99.98%. Its residential customers' electric bills are 28% below the national average and are among the lowest in the country, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The company has also lowered customers' bills through cost-effective wind and solar projects. Xcel Energy now has enough wind capacity on its system to cost-effectively power more than 2.5 million homes, quadruple the amount it had in 2005. And, from 2017 to 2024, wind projects saved customers approximately $5 billion through avoided fuel costs and earned tax credits. "We have long been leaders in sustainability in this industry — without sacrificing affordability — and we're not slowing down now," said Jeff Lyng, vice president of external affairs and policy and chief sustainability officer. "Our customers and policymakers are asking more from us as our service plays an even larger role in their homes and businesses. We must continue to balance environmental responsibility with economic prosperity and community vitality." In 2024, Xcel Energy provided $187 million in customer rebates and incentives through programs that enable customers to embrace energy-efficient lighting, appliances and more. Customers installed more than 23,000 solar systems through the company's Solar*Rewards program, and the company also connected more than 193,000 customers to more than $175 million in energy assistance programs offered by the company and by public sources. Bringing jobs and investment to communities Xcel Energy engages with community members, businesses, organizations and civic and political groups across the 1,600 cities and counties it serves to better meet residents' energy needs, connect customers to programs that save money and energy, foster economic growth and build the future workforce. Xcel Energy helps the communities it serves prosper, working with landowners, developers, municipalities and economic development organizations to ease the path to locating or expanding businesses. The company spent $5.2 billion with small or local businesses in 2024, helped create nearly 3,200 new jobs and spurred $5.1 billion in additional capital investment. The company's economic development team initiated 24 projects across the eight states it serves, which will help grow industries such as data centers, food processing and manufacturing. Together with the Xcel Energy Foundation, employees and retirees, the company gave back to its communities, donating $14.5 million across the eight states it serves and its employees contributed $3 million in economic impact through volunteering for nonprofit and community improvement projects. Read the full Sustainability Report. About Xcel Energy Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit or follow us on X and Facebook. About Xcel Energy Foundation The Xcel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that awards charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and sponsors the volunteer programs of Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries. The majority of Xcel Energy Foundation funding comes from Xcel Energy shareholder dollars. Learn more about the Foundation's Focus Area Grants. View source version on Contacts Xcel Energy Media Relations414 Nicollet Mall, 401-7Minneapolis, MN 55401(612) 215-5300mediainquiries@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Xcel Energy Powering More of the Economy as Energy Transition Continues
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Xcel Energy is powering even more of the economy as it continues to reduce the carbon emissions from its operations, the company announced in its 20 th annual Sustainability Report today. The company now provides reliable electric service to data centers, vehicle charging, home heating, natural gas development and other areas of the economy that spur growth and support opportunities for customers to choose cleaner energy sources. As it provides value to customers in new ways, Xcel Energy has also continued to reduce carbon emissions from the electricity it provides to customers, with carbon emissions 57% below 2005 levels. 'We remain steadfast in our commitment to provide reliable, affordable, sustainable and safe energy to the millions of people we serve,' said Bob Frenzel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Xcel Energy. 'We are particularly proud of the progress we have made on our journey to a carbon-free electricity future, and we have done so with the most expansive set of clean energy resources in the country, including wind, solar, nuclear, hydro and natural gas.' The carbon reduction progress brings Xcel Energy closer to its industry-leading vision it established in 2018 to provide customers with 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. 'Whether you're a resident of a single-family home or a technology company powering a data center, the energy we provide enables you to choose cleaner alternatives for your home or business and drives our economy forward,' Frenzel said. Maintaining reliability while adding renewable energy Xcel Energy remains committed to delivering reliable, low-cost energy to its customers. The company outperforms the industry reliability standard, restoring 92% of affected customers' power within 24 hours during active storm days, and has an overall electric service reliability of 99.98%. Its residential customers' electric bills are 28% below the national average and are among the lowest in the country, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The company has also lowered customers' bills through cost-effective wind and solar projects. Xcel Energy now has enough wind capacity on its system to cost-effectively power more than 2.5 million homes, quadruple the amount it had in 2005. And, from 2017 to 2024, wind projects saved customers approximately $5 billion through avoided fuel costs and earned tax credits. 'We have long been leaders in sustainability in this industry — without sacrificing affordability — and we're not slowing down now,' said Jeff Lyng, vice president of external affairs and policy and chief sustainability officer. 'Our customers and policymakers are asking more from us as our service plays an even larger role in their homes and businesses. We must continue to balance environmental responsibility with economic prosperity and community vitality.' In 2024, Xcel Energy provided $187 million in customer rebates and incentives through programs that enable customers to embrace energy-efficient lighting, appliances and more. Customers installed more than 23,000 solar systems through the company's Solar*Rewards program, and the company also connected more than 193,000 customers to more than $175 million in energy assistance programs offered by the company and by public sources. Bringing jobs and investment to communities Xcel Energy engages with community members, businesses, organizations and civic and political groups across the 1,600 cities and counties it serves to better meet residents' energy needs, connect customers to programs that save money and energy, foster economic growth and build the future workforce. Xcel Energy helps the communities it serves prosper, working with landowners, developers, municipalities and economic development organizations to ease the path to locating or expanding businesses. The company spent $5.2 billion with small or local businesses in 2024, helped create nearly 3,200 new jobs and spurred $5.1 billion in additional capital investment. The company's economic development team initiated 24 projects across the eight states it serves, which will help grow industries such as data centers, food processing and manufacturing. Together with the Xcel Energy Foundation, employees and retirees, the company gave back to its communities, donating $14.5 million across the eight states it serves and its employees contributed $3 million in economic impact through volunteering for nonprofit and community improvement projects. Read the full Sustainability Report. About Xcel Energy Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit or follow us on X and Facebook. About Xcel Energy Foundation The Xcel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that awards charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and sponsors the volunteer programs of Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries. The majority of Xcel Energy Foundation funding comes from Xcel Energy shareholder dollars. Learn more about the Foundation's Focus Area Grants.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Xcel customers to receive $5 credit on monthly bill
SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) — South Dakotan Xcel Energy customers will receive a $5 monthly credit to their bill starting in June, according to a news release from Xcel. Xcel Energy is moving forward with plans to deliver $25 million back to North Dakota and South Dakota customers on their bills through federal tax credits on the energy generated by the company's nuclear fleet. Former state worker accused of forging marijuana card Xcel Energy's two nuclear power plants, Monticello and Prairie Island, together account for nearly 25% of the electricity used by customers across the company's five-state Upper Midwest system, a news release said. This is the first time customers will see savings from the federal tax credit on nuclear energy generation, which the company advocated for in recent law. Starting this month, the average residential customer in South Dakota will receive $5.08 a month in savings, totaling $50.80 through February 2026. Xcel Energy services most of the Sioux Falls area, along with other areas of southeastern South Dakota. 'Our nuclear power plants have produced safe, reliable, always-available electricity for our customers across the Upper Midwest for more than 50 years. Now, tax credits on the energy they generate will produce savings for our customers,' Ryan Long, president of Xcel Energy—Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, said in a news release. 'Nuclear energy is an important piece of American energy security. It helps us support economic growth in the Upper Midwest, deliver reliable and resilient electricity, and keep customers' bills as low as possible,' Long said in a release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Journals
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Journals
Cordia builds on 50-year legacy to power a cleaner, smarter downtown Minneapolis
As cities nationwide commit to bold sustainability targets, Minneapolis stands out as a leader in decarbonization and renewable energy adoption. Cordia is proud to play a key role in this transformation through innovative district energy solutions that support both economic growth and environmental stewardship. Our Carbon Free Chilled Water Program, launched in 2023 in partnership with the city of Minneapolis, is already making an impact. Designed to deliver chilled water with zero carbon emissions, the program currently serves two landmark facilities: the Target Center and the Minneapolis Convention Center. These buildings now benefit from a reliable, sustainable cooling source while helping the city advance its climate action goals. Chilled water for these facilities is produced at our Convention Center and Foster House plants — state-of-the-art electric chiller plants. We've enrolled their meters in Xcel Energy's Renewable Connect program, ensuring that all electricity powering the chillers is sourced from renewable energy. We've since expanded participation in Renewable Connect beyond these two plants as part of our broader strategy to meet Cordia's company-wide decarbonization goals. In 2024 alone, we produced over 4.3 million ton-hours of carbon-free chilled water — a significant milestone in advancing the city's energy resilience. A legacy of energy innovation in Minneapolis Cordia has long been embedded in the city's infrastructure. Cordia Minneapolis is one of our largest and longest-running district energy systems, operating continuously since 1972. With a central plant and eight satellite facilities, we provide both heating and cooling to more than 100 customers in a wide range of industries — from government buildings and commercial offices to hospitality and entertainment venues. Minneapolis is a dynamic, fast-growing city, and our district energy system is designed to grow alongside it. New customers can easily connect and immediately benefit from the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of a centralized energy source. This long-standing infrastructure provides the foundation for new decarbonization initiatives that are both scalable and sustainable. Dayton's plant overhaul doubles capacity Among the most significant upgrades currently underway is the full modernization of the Dayton's Chilled Water Plant, located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. As part of our broader push toward carbon-free energy, we've removed four decommissioned boilers and are replacing three chillers from the 1960s with modern, high-efficiency units. Once complete, the project will more than double the plant's current cooling capacity, enhancing our ability to serve new and existing customers across the city. Importantly, this plant is also powered by Xcel Energy's Renewable Connect, which means it will contribute to our carbon-free chilled water supply moving forward. The first new chiller started up this May, marking a key milestone in the plant's evolution and in our commitment to decarbonizing Minneapolis' energy systems. Smarter energy with artificial intelligence While infrastructure investment is critical, our sustainability efforts are equally focused on smart technology and data-driven optimization. At Cordia, we're using artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor weather patterns, predict demand peaks, and make real-time decisions about equipment dispatch. These predictive tools allow us to fine-tune plant operations to reduce energy usage, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions. AI also plays a crucial role in identifying and correcting equipment issues, improving system reliability, and extending the lifespan of our infrastructure. As our system 'learns' over time, we're able to make data informed decisions, deploy resources more efficiently, and enhance the performance of our district energy network. Looking ahead Minneapolis is charting a bold course toward a carbon-neutral future — and Cordia is proud to be a partner on that journey. Whether through the expansion of our Carbon-Free Chilled Water Program, the major infrastructure upgrades at the Dayton's plant, or the integration of AI-driven efficiency tools, we are investing in the future of urban energy. With a 50+ year track record, a deep commitment to innovation, and a clear vision for sustainability, Cordia Minneapolis is ready to grow with the city, supporting its environmental goals and delivering resilient, reliable energy to the businesses and institutions that power its economy. Cordia is a leading provider of safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Cordia serves over 700 customers with heating, cooling, and electricity throughout the U.S. Cordia is committed to driving change toward a more resilient, sustainable energy future and empowering people and communities to reach their full potential. Learn more at Jacob Graff is a distinguished leader in the thermal and distributed energy infrastructure sector, currently serving as the regional president of the North and West for Cordia. With a wealth of expertise in orchestrating sales and operations of multiple thermal district energy systems, Graff is renowned for his strategic vision and operational prowess.
