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Xcel Energy files to expand Colorado Windsource

DENVER - Xcel Energy today filed for changes to its Windsource program in Colorado that will allow the program to grow. The filing with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission will create a sustainable, voluntary renewable energy program. The current program is fully subscribed with nearly 47,000 customers.

The company is proposing to roll the Windsource generation into its existing renewable energy portfolio, which also includes solar power and biomass. Windsource customers will still pay a slight premium to purchase more of their energy from renewable wind energy sources. That premium would then be credited back to the existing Renewable Energy Standard account to allow for bulk purchases of more renewable energy generating sources. Currently, the Windsource program cannot expand due to the prohibitive costs of adding smaller increments of wind power. If the Company’s application is approved by the PUC, Xcel Energy will be able to offer more customers the opportunity to subscribe to 100 percent renewable energy for their electricity needs.

“The cost of adding new wind power has substantially risen in recent years,” said Roy Palmer, managing director of government and regulatory affairs. “This new program will allow our customers to continue to purchase wind energy. We will now be able to offer this service to all the customers that want to participate in the Windsource program.”

Xcel Energy is proposing these changes to add value to the Windsource program. Purchased Power Agreements still in effect and the Ponnequin Wind Farm, which has been part of the Windsource program, would be rolled into the renewable energy portfolio. Windsource will now be reviewed on an annual basis during the Renewable Energy Compliance Plan process each year. Adjustments to the program will happen at that time if needed.

For residential customers, the premium will be about $3 per 100-kilowatt hour block of Windsource power. For the average customer who is fully subscribed it would mean paying about $19 more than an average portfolio based customer using 625-kilowatt hours per month.

Xcel Energy is asking for the new program to be in effect by January 1, 2009.
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Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.3 million electricity customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis. More information is available at www.xcelenergy.com.