Xcel Energy named top wind energy provider by American Wind Energy for 10th consecutive year

By: InnovatioNews Thursday April 17, 2014 Tags: Ben Fowke, Frank Prager, wind energy, Xcel Energy

MINNEAPOLIS - Xcel Energy, Colorado's largest utility, has been named the nation's top wind energy provider for the 10^th consecutive year by the American Wind Energy Association, the national trade association for wind power.

"Xcel Energy is proud to be among the nation's leaders in delivering affordable, clean energy from renewable sources," said Ben Fowke, Xcel's chairman, president and CEO.

"We embraced wind energy early because it's clean, cost-effective and will protect our customers against rising fuel prices in the future."

As of 2013, Xcel said it had 5,080 MW of wind energy in its systems, enough wind power to meet the energy needs of about 2.5 million homes.

Wind accounted for about 15 percent of the company's energy supply, and Xcel said it expects that to grow to more than 20 percent by 2020.

"We've been fortunate to operate in states with both excellent wind resources and policies that support the fair and cost-effective development of wind power," said Frank Prager, Excel's VP for policy and strategy.

"These things have enabled us to increase the use of renewable energy and to reduce emissions at a reasonable cost for customers."

Based in Minneapolis, Xcel Energy provides power to eight Midwestern and Western states.