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Power Generation We make electricity
We operate major generating facilities that use a variety of fuel sources including coal, natural gas, nuclear fuel, water (hydro), oil, and refuse; we also have smaller facilities that generate electricity from the wind and sun. In total, our facilities are capable of producing up to 16,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity. One megawatt of power generated by fossil fuels or nuclear fuel provides enough electricity to serve 750 typical homes.
2008 Xcel Energy-owned Generating Facilities
We generate approximately three-quarters of our power and buy the remainder from other electricity suppliers to meet our customers’ energy needs. We have a diverse fuel mix.
2008 Xcel Energy-owned Generating Facilities
| Fuel Type |
Unit Type |
Number of Generating Facilities |
Number of Generating Units |
Generating Capacity (Megawatts*)
|
| Fossil |
Coal |
16 |
32 |
7,921 |
|
Natural Gas |
28 |
69 |
5,834 |
|
Oil |
4 |
8 |
16 |
| Nuclear |
Nuclear |
2 |
3 |
1668 |
| Renewable |
Hydro |
26 |
81 |
511 |
|
Wind |
1 |
5 |
5 |
|
Refuse-derived fuel |
3 |
6 |
67 |
| Total |
|
80 |
204 |
16,022 MW |
*One Megawatt (mW) is one million watts. A watt is a measure of electricity use or production.
Renewable and Non-emitting Energy Sources
We are working to expand our use of renewable and non-emitting energy sources. Renewable energy includes wind, solar, hydro and refuse-derived fuel and biomass. We are the No. 1 wind power provider in the nation, according to the American Wind Energy Association.
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