Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy customers in Minnesota are frustrated with proposed rate increases, which were reduced by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) but still result in a $5.59 monthly average rise for residential customers. The PUC approved a $211 million total increase over 2025 and 2026, significantly lower than Xcel's initial request, while public comments highlighted concerns about affordability. The final rates may lead to refunds if they fall below interim rates.

Xcel Energy in Colorado is urging customers to reduce energy use during peak hours (4-8 p.m.) on days when temperatures exceed 90°F as part of its 'Energy Action Days' program. Customers who do not comply face higher costs under Xcel's Time of Use pricing policy. While Xcel emphasizes efficiency and savings, some customers express frustration over the timing conflicting with daily routines, while others and advocacy groups highlight the need for conservation amid rising energy demand.

Residents in Columbine Hills, Colorado, are frustrated with frequent power outages, with Kelsey Wilson reporting multiple daily outages causing appliance and food losses. Xcel Energy acknowledges increased outages but counts only unplanned outages lasting over five minutes, while Public Utilities Commission records show 30 outages at Wilson's home in two years.

A planned power outage will affect approximately 2,000 Xcel Energy customers in Larimer County starting Wednesday evening and lasting until 6 a.m. Thursday. The outage is due to another power provider's work on the transmission system, with affected areas including specific locations south of Highway 34, west of Interstate 25 near Boyd Lake, and north of East County Road 16.

Boulder, Colorado, has updated its Climate Action Plan to accelerate emissions reductions, aiming for a 70% cut below 2018 levels by 2030. The city has already surpassed a previous 50% reduction target by 2024 but needs to double its pace to meet the new goal. Strategies include cleaner electricity, building electrification, and transportation reforms, with partnerships involving Xcel Energy and neighboring communities.

Minnesota passed a 2025 law requiring large data centers to cover their own energy costs and infrastructure, ensuring ratepayers aren't burdened. Google's proposed Pine Island data center in Goodhue County aligns with the law, committing to carbon-free energy and water conservation while generating tax revenue and union jobs.

Energy Outreach Colorado's Amy Brown provides tips to reduce utility bills during rising temperatures, including avoiding peak AC usage hours and using evaporative coolers. The organization offers resources like past due bill assistance and community solar programs for Xcel Energy customers.

Boulder has launched the Resiliency Hub Pilot Program to help nonprofits prepare for Xcel Energy's Public Safety Power Shutoffs. The program offers up to $50,000 for backup batteries and energy advisor support, funded by taxes on solar and battery storage systems. Harvest of Hope, a local food pantry, suffered refrigerated food losses during December's shutoffs, highlighting the program's purpose.

Xcel Energy and McGough Construction were fined by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for failing to report multiple stormwater discharges in St. Paul and not conducting required stormwater management inspections for most of 2025.

Electricity has been out since Monday at The Aspen homeless shelter in Denver, with residents offered relocation to a less comfortable overflow shelter, while repairs to deteriorated power lines are underway, expected to restore power by Tuesday afternoon.

Xcel Energy's proposed rate hike could lead to more customers struggling to pay bills, despite the utility offering an aid plan that may assist up to a third of its 1.4 million customers. The utility has presented the plan to state regulators.

Storms during the Fourth of July caused thousands of power outages in Minnesota, with nearly 10,000 customers losing electricity, primarily in Hennepin and Carver Counties. Xcel Energy is working to restore power but has not provided a timeline.

Data centers in Minnesota are being scrutinized for their potential impact on power demand during heat waves. Utilities and regulators attribute peak power demand to summer heat rather than data centers, though operational data centers in the state consume significant energy. Minnesota has 30 data centers listed, with half currently operational, totaling 351 megawatts of capacity.

An Xcel Energy employee died while on the job in Northglenn, as reported by a company spokesperson to FOX31. The statement confirmed the employee's death but provided no further details.

Denver offers a $2,500 rebate to residents, workers, or students to cover training programs in climate-friendly careers like urban forestry and EV maintenance. The initiative addresses workforce shortages in critical climate-related jobs identified by the Colorado Energy Office, funded by the Climate Protection Fund from a 2020 sales tax.

Xcel Energy is requesting Wisconsin regulators to mandate that large new power users, including data centers, pay the full cost of their electricity for projects exceeding 100 megawatts. The proposal requires major new electric customers to commit to 15-year agreements with strict financial security measures to ensure long-term local benefits.

A vehicle crashed into three townhome units in Woodbury, causing a gas leak and requiring the evacuation of around a dozen residents. The driver was injured and hospitalized, but no other injuries were reported. Residents were allowed to return except for those in damaged units.

Coloradans on fixed incomes, including seniors like Jimmy Cano and the Buschman couple, are struggling with rising cooling costs as Xcel Energy proposes a 10% rate hike. The utility company claims Colorado electric bills are 37% below the national average but acknowledges the burden on fixed-income households. Xcel Energy suggests energy-saving measures and infrastructure investments to manage demand.

Xcel Energy proposes a $225 million electric rate increase to recover $4 billion in infrastructure upgrades, which could raise average monthly bills by $6.13. The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is reviewing the proposal, with public comments accepted until Tuesday, and a decision expected by July. Residents like Denver resident Jaime Cowam express concern over the financial strain.

Two brush fires in Lone Tree open space within three months have raised concerns among residents about nearby Xcel Energy power lines and a substation. Residents reported observing a blue flickering light from the substation and fear dry vegetation could ignite another fire. Xcel Energy stated electrical activity near power lines can occur for various reasons and does not confirm the equipment shown in a resident's video belongs to them.