Xcel Energy is proposing a new clean energy plan for the Upper Midwest that continues our ambitious carbon reductions while ensuring customers continue to have the reliable, safe, affordable electric service they depend on.
Our new Upper Midwest Energy Plan proposal builds on our already-approved plans to retire all of our coal plants by 2030 and replace them with renewable energy like wind and solar, supported by “always available” electric generation resources to ensure reliability.
Under the proposed plan, carbon emissions reductions are expected to exceed 80% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, potentially reaching up to an 88% reduction. The proposal positions us well to achieve the clean energy goals of our Upper Midwest states, including Minnesota’s carbon-free standard for 2040, with more than 80% of our customers’ electricity projected to come from carbon-free sources by 2030. Our Upper Midwest system delivers increasingly clean energy to all of the states we serve in the region—Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota and Michigan.
In support of these nation-leading carbon reductions, the plan proposes to add more wind and solar energy, extend the use of our two carbon-free nuclear plants to the early 2050s, add battery energy storage systems, and add new “always available” sources of electric generation capacity, including natural gas, to back up wind and solar when needed. We will also build on the success of the energy efficiency and demand response programs that help customers save energy and money while reducing energy use on the grid.
Our drive to achieve these major reductions in carbon emissions, while maintaining reliable, safe and affordable service, is important to policymakers, stakeholders, communities, our customers and our employees. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with these key stakeholders as our proposals are considered by regulators.
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