March 28, 2024
Global Renewable News

XCEL ENERGY
Xcel Energy launches low-income solar program
Seeks RFP for up to four megawatts through a new Solar*Rewards Community program

August 24, 2017

As part of a continuing effort to make more renewable energy available to all of its Colorado customers, Xcel Energy recently issued a "request for proposal" for up to four megawatts of new community solar gardens, dedicated to benefit low-income subscribers. It will be available in each year from 2017-19, under the company's new Low-Income Solar*Rewards Community program.

The offering of solar generation for low-income customers in Colorado was part of the landmark, three-case settlement reached by the company and two dozen intervening parties in August 2016, and later approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in November 2016. The capacity, if fully subscribed, would meet the energy needs of up to approximately 2,500 low-income customers.

"Our low-income Solar*Reward Community program will bring more renewable and carbon-free energy to Colorado, to a segment of our customer base who might be very passionate about renewable energy, but might also have not previously had the means to take part in our more traditional programs," said Eric Van Orden, product strategy and development for Xcel Energy-Colorado.

"Coloradans, regardless of income level, want to have clean, sustainable and affordable energy for their homes," said Skip Arnold, executive director, Energy Outreach Colorado. "We're proud to have worked with Xcel Energy and other parties to make this an option for all energy consumers."

The request for proposal, which will be open through Sept. 29, will seek up to four megawatts for projects ranging in size from 10 kilowatts to two megawatts, or roughly ranging from the size of a small building's rooftop to two football fields. The projects will be evaluated on a number of factors, including the number of solar Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) generated per year, and the bid price offered for each REC.

The company anticipates announcing winning bids in late-November 2017, and the projects would be expected to come online by May 2019. Solar garden subscriptions will likely be made available to low-income customers, who will subscribe through the winning bidders. All installations must be located within Xcel Energy's service territory and financial benefits must flow 100 percent to low-income Xcel Energy customers residing in the subscriber facilities.

The company will issue similar requests for proposal in 2018 and 2019.

Parties to the three-case settlement agreement, which ultimately will result in the addition of 342 megawatts of solar capacity through 2019 under the Solar*Rewards programs, include the cities of Denver and Boulder, major environmental advocacy groups, state and national solar power trade groups, large industrial customers, the CPUC staff, the Office of Consumer Counsel, and others.

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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