Xcel Energy Seeks Minnesota Approval for 80-Megawatt Solar Power Contract to Support Renewable Program

Xcel Energy Inc. asked the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to authorize a power purchase agreement with Elk Creek Solar LLC for new solar energy generation from an 80-megawatt facility to be located in Rock County, according to a Sept. 10 filing. The company plans to use the generation in support its Renewable*Connect program, a green pricing option that allows customers to meet a portion of their electricity needs from renewable energy resources.

Last month, the agency granted Xcel Energy’s request to expand the program into a permanent initiative. The company sought the expansion because the program, established in 2017, has been fully subscribed and there is additional customer demand. The unfulfilled demand for its two renewable energy programs is more than thrice the current enrollment, the company said. The agency also granted Xcel’s request to terminate its second green program, called Windsource, and transition the program’s customers and resources to the R*C program. Xcel will transfer the R*C pilot customers to the R*C month-to-month program option and cancel the pilot service agreements for these customers.

Elk Creek Solar is a subsidiary of Geronimo Energy LLC.