St. Paul, Minnesota — Continuing its support for cost-effective proposals that can assist in Minnesota’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) approved on Thursday an additional investment of $210 million towards Xcel Energy’s wind repower portfolio. Northern Wind will generate 120 megawatts of power through the modernization and expansion of the Chanarambie, Viking, and Rock Aetna wind farms located in southwest Minnesota.

The Northern Wind repowering project will replace aging turbines to increase their efficiency and lifetime, lowering energy costs for Xcel Energy customers. Additionally, refurbishing Northern Wind will benefit the local economy with the creation of approximately 200 jobs, and will reduce carbon emissions by displacing non-renewable energy sources.

“I am pleased to see another project supporting the sustainable economic recovery of southwest Minnesota, and I appreciate this additional wind repower investment presented by Xcel Energy. For energy consumers, increasing the efficiency of wind farms adds value, lowers costs, and creates jobs,” said Commissioner Joseph Sullivan.

“The Xcel Energy wind repower portfolio will help Minnesota avoid the emission of about two million tons of carbon through 2034. I am excited about the estimated cost-savings and job creation that the Northern Wind upgrade will bring to Minnesota,” said Commissioner John Tuma.

About

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas, and telephone service. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional, and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc

Please contact Will Seuffert, 651-201-2217 or will.seuffert@state.mn.us if you have any questions.