March 28, 2024
Global Renewable News

XCEL ENERGY
New renewable energy option approved for Xcel Energy Minnesota customers
Renewable*Connect offers flexible way to tap into wind and solar energy

January 17, 2017

Minnesotans will soon have a new option to power their homes and businesses with wind and solar energy as part of Xcel Energy's Renewable*Connect® program. The Minnesota's Public Utilities Commission voted to approve the pilot program, on Jan.12, giving customers the choice to power a portion or all of their energy from a blend of local wind and solar projects.

"Xcel Energy is committed to delivering the new energy solutions that our customers want, and I am proud that we can now offer this renewable program," said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy-Minnesota. "Renewable Connect will provide an easy and affordable option for Minnesotans to tap into renewable energy to achieve their sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint."

Program details

Renewable*Connect allows customers to subscribe to low cost wind and solar energy made right here in Minnesota. Customers will have the flexibility to choose how much of their energy usage they wish to subscribe and how long a commitment they wish to make. There are no up-front costs, and prices are known at the start giving customers more certainty. Customers will be able to sign up for program later this year.

Meeting customer sustainability goals

Business and other large customers have expressed considerable interest in the program, which provides a way to verify they are using renewable energy to power their operations via Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).  Xcel Energy will retire these RECs on customers' behalf. The RECs will be verified by green-e.org.

"The University of Minnesota has a short-term goal of reducing greenhouse gasses by 50 percent by 2020," said Jerome Malmquist, Director of Energy Management at the University of Minnesota.  "Xcel Energy's pilot Renewable Connect program gives the University another tool to help meet that ambitious goal."

Program will power new State Capitol complex

A portion of the newly renovated state capitol building will be powered by energy generated from  the North Star Solar project in Chisago County and  the Odell wind farm in  Southern Minnesota as part of the Renewable*Connect Government program.

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NYSE: 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

Xcel Energy, Inc.
414 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis Minnesota
United States 55401
www.xcelenergy.com


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