Xcel Energy Invites Minnesota Wind Energy Proposals - Quick Facts

Thursday, March 15, 2007; Posted: 03:02 PM

(RTTNews) - Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL | charts | news | PowerRating) said it is looking for new sources of Minnesota wind energy and is inviting potential wind project owners and developers to submit their proposals. The effort is part of Xcel Energy's Community-Based Energy Development or C-BED program. In 2005, the Minnesota Legislature directed that each utility establish a tariff for the purchase of C-BED wind energy. The purpose of the tariff is to encourage and promote broader local participation in wind energy development.

Beginning March 20, 2007, Xcel Energy said it would accept proposals for new Minnesota wind generation resources to be in commercial operation by Dec. 31, 2008. Xcel Energy also said it would seek approvals for any resulting power purchase agreements from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

Xcel Energy is working toward a goal of producing 30 percent of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2020. A key component in Xcel Energy's strategy to meet that goal is the development of new sources of wind energy.

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A PDF of the RFP is available here .