DENVER, Colorado (June 28, 2019) – In a continuing effort to drive renewable customer choice, Xcel Energy—Colorado announced that it has awarded 56 megawatts of new solar capacity for 2019 in the state, through a recent Solar*Rewards Community request for proposal (RFP) effort.
Separately, the company also has proposed to add 265 megawatts of new distributed generation and net metered-only solar capacity over the next two years, as part of the filing of its 2020-2021 Renewable Energy Plan with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
“Our announcement and filing today clearly demonstrate that Xcel Energy remains committed to leading the clean energy transition, while enhancing the customer experience,” said Alice Jackson, president for Xcel Energy—Colorado. “This additional solar capacity continues to keep Xcel Energy at the forefront of utilities embracing cleaner energy options and enables our customers to participate personally in the transition.”
The Solar*Rewards Community program advances Xcel Energy’s progress toward clean energy, which the company expects will assist in reducing its Colorado electric system’s carbon output by 80% by 2030 from 2005 levels, with an aspirational goal of 100% carbon free energy by 2050. Xcel Energy’s distributed generation awards today also include 12 megawatts specifically for low-income customers, continuing an effort begun in 2017 to bring solar power to all of its Colorado customers.
Jackson noted that as of the end of 2018, Xcel Energy in Colorado had more than 100,000 customers in its renewable choice programs, representing some 560 megawatts of solar renewable capacity. The 26 awarded additions today continue to put the company on an aggressive solar growth trajectory in Colorado.
Additionally, in a filing today, Xcel Energy proposed solar renewable generation capacity for 2020-2021, which it intends to serve as a “bridge” to 2022 and beyond, at which time the company will have new RES planning rules determined by multiple interested parties in the state, and a better understanding of its needs in achieving its zero-carbon strategy.
“While Xcel Energy is well ahead of existing statutory renewable targets in Colorado, carbon reduction remains the ultimate goal of our efforts, as we progress toward a zero carbon strategy here in Colorado and in other states we serve,” Jackson said. “Xcel Energy continues to advocate for providing customers with numerous solar options and a variety of programs for their participation."
Xcel Energy has requested regulatory approval of its 2020-2021 plan by the end of 2019. Specific details on the bids awarded through Solar*Rewards Community will be issued at a later date and with the winning bidders, upon completion of individual contract negotiations.
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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.