Colorado Utility Seeks 500 Megawatts of Renewable Energy

September 1, 2004

Xcel Energy announced in mid-August that it intends to add up to 500 megawatts of renewable energy to its energy supply in Colorado. The utility earned approval for the plan from the Colorado Public Utility Commission on August 11th, and issued a request for proposals on August 17th. The utility seeks power generated from wind, solar, biomass, or geothermal energy, as well as from waste sources or from hydropower plants that are 20 megawatts or less in capacity. Xcel Energy will accept bids for power purchase contracts extending between 5 and 30 years. Proposals are due on November 23rd for the renewable power facilities, which must be in operation by the end of 2006. See the Xcel Energy press release, or go directly to the request for proposals.