MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (October 31, 2018) – Xcel Energy’s Renewable*Connect program in Minnesota is now fully subscribed, thanks to businesses, governments, residents and universities continuing to choose renewable energy programs to further their sustainability goals. Renewable*Connect is a program that enables customers to receive up to 100 percent of their energy from local wind and solar projects.
“We’ve answered the call to provide additional renewable energy programs to our customers, and they’ve responded by buying all the available energy in Renewable Connect,” said Chris Clark, president, Xcel Energy—Minnesota. “We’re excited to continue investing in renewable energy and developing options that can deliver the sustainable, clean energy our customers want.”
Xcel Energy is working with regulators and renewable energy providers to develop a second phase of Renewable*Connect that will give even more customers the opportunity to participate.
Two of Minnesota’s largest companies are powering parts of their local operations through the program—3M and U.S. Bank.
3M is powering a portion of its 3M Corporate Center while U.S. Bank is powering several administrative buildings. Other organizations participating in the program include the University of Minnesota, the City of Minneapolis, the State of Minnesota, and numerous small businesses and residential customers.
“3M has a goal to increase renewable energy for total electricity use by 25 percent by 2025. Xcel Energy’s Renewable*Connect program is a key component in helping the3M Center facility achieve that goal,” said Rick DeMarchis 3M Corporate Center, Energy and Sustainability Manager
Supporting sustainability programs
While corporations and institutions have been increasing sustainability for years, Renewable*Connect creates a path for companies to demonstrate their commitment to renewable energy to stakeholders. Through program participation, the renewable energy credits associated with the clean energy a company purchases are retired on their behalf, allowing the company to claim the green benefits.
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.