Xcel Energy’s plans for a 786-megawatt (MW) gas-fired power plant could be solidified by a bill approved by the Minnesota House committee on energy through a 16-3 vote.
The normal route for approval is through the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Though the PUC was considering the plant for approval, the organization put plans for the gas plant on hold in October and asked Xcel to further study alternatives using renewable energy. The plant would replace and be built on the same site as two 680-MW coal-fired generators planned to close in 2023 and 2026.
The PUC determined there is a need for 750 MW of new power generation to replace generation from the coal plants, also stating Xcel had adequate time to evaluate all options without jeopardizing the feasibility of the proposed gas plant.
For more information, visit www.Xcelenergy.com or call (800) 481-4700.
