Xcel Energy Inc.

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Xcel Energy Inc. is a Minneapolis based Public Electricity and Natural Gas Utility which serves consumers in several US states such as Minnesota, Colorado, Michigan, North Dakota, New Mexico, Texas, Wisconsin and South Dakota. Xcel Energy Inc. serves more than 3 million electric customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers in eight states. The Company’s headquarters in located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As of 2011, the company has over 11,351 employees. In 2008, the company generated total revenue of US$11.2 billion.

What is the history of Xcel Energy Inc.?

Xcel Energy Inc. is one of the major electric and natural gas utility firms in the United States. Three companies namely Amarillo-based Southwestern Public Service (SPS), Denver-based Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo) and Minneapolis-based Northern States Power Company (NSP) merged to form Xcel Energy Inc. Northern State Power was established in early 1900s by Henry Bylles; the Public Service Company Colorado was established in 1924; the South Western Public Service was founded in 1904 in New Mexico. Xcel Energy Inc. was founded in the year 1909.

What are the energy resources of Xcel Energy Inc.?

• Fossil fuel sources: Xcel Energy Inc. operates low-sulfur coal mines in Wyoming and Montana. Thermal power is generated in Sherburne County Plant located in Minnesota. 30,000 tons of coal is burnt every day and more than nine million tons a year. 
• Wind power sources: Xcel Energy Inc. owns and operates 3 winds farms namely Grand Meadow Wind Farm (67 units, 100.5 MW), Nobles Wind Farm (201 MW) and Ponnequin Wind Farm (44 units, 30 MW).
• Solar power sources: The Company stands tall with fifth position in the nation in terms of total solar power harnessing capacity. Solar power stations are located in Colorado. Xcel Energy Inc. is planning to acquire about 600 MW of solar power.
• Hydro power sources: Currently, the company is generating 500 megawatts of hydroelectric power from 27 hydro power stations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Colorado. Moreover, the company also purchases hydro-generated electricity from Manitoba Hydro.
• Biomass sources: Xcel Energy Inc. has succeeded in generating 110 megawatts of electricity at the Bay Front Power Plant in Wisconsin.
• Nuclear power sources: Xcel Energy Inc. is the sole owner and operator of two nuclear power plants namely Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant near Monticello, Minnesota, and Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant near Red Wing, Minnesota.

How does the Xcel Energy Inc. operate power transmission?

Xcel Energy Inc. manages over 18,000 miles of transmission lines throughout 10 states. It has around 900 transmission/distribution sub-stations along with main control centers located in Colorado, Minnesota and Texas. The company operates the transmission system on non-discriminatory basis. This is performed under the federal government’s open access requirement. The transmission line carries 115,000 volts, 230,000 volts, and 345,000 volts. 

Who are the key people in Xcel Energy Inc.?

Mr. Benjamin Fowke is the CEO, Board Chairman and President of Xcel Energy Inc. Mr. Michael Connelly serves as the Senior Vice President, Strategy and Planning. Ms. Cathy Hart has been recruited as Corporate Secretary and Vice President of Corporate Services. Mr. Dennis L. Koehl is the Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer. Ms. Teresa S. Madden has joined as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Marvin E. McDaniel Jr. has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer.

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