Dive Summary:
- Minnesota-based Xcel Energy has informed regulators that it will seek proposals for up to 200 MW of wind power resources by April
- The government's extended federal tax credit is the catalyst for the effort and states that any projects receiving tax credit must by nearly complete by the end of 2013.
- Xcel is looking to issue the request for proposals by mid-February to ensure that any approved projects can begin construction this year.
From the article:
“Although Xcel Energy is well ahead of meeting our states’ renewable energy requirements, we are open to adding cost-effective wind projects that could provide long-term value to our customers,” said Judy Poferl, president and chief executive officer of Northern State Power Co. – Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company. “The extension of the federal renewable electricity production tax credit may make cost-effective projects available to serve our customers.”
The request for proposals will not change the recently started competitive acquisition process for additional generation in the 2017 to 2019 timeframe to acquire peaking and intermediate generation. ...