Xcel Energy Accepting Renewable Energy Proposals

Business Wire, August 17, 2004

DENVER -- Xcel Energy will look to add up to 500 megawatts of renewable energy in Colorado and currently is accepting bids under a recently released Request for Proposal (RFP).

Those wishing to submit bids have until Nov. 23, 2004. Further information can be found at www.xcelenergy.com. Click on the "About Energy and Rates" link at the top of the home page and then on "CO Least-cost Resource Plan." Look for the "Request for Proposal" tab. Potential applicants who have questions about the RFP and selection process also can call 303-308-2751.

On Aug. 11, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission gave Xcel Energy the go-ahead to issue an RFP for up to 500 megawatts of renewable energy, expected to be primarily wind, under the company's overall resource planning process. This will allow the company and renewable energy resource developers to take advantage of any short-term renewal of federal Production Tax Credit for wind energy, currently under consideration by the U.S. Congress.

The renewable energy solicitation is part of the company's overall resource plan, which was filed in April 2004. The company also has proposed an all-source competitive bidding process to acquire other needed resources, including additional renewable resources, fossil-fuel generation and demand-side management. The CPUC will consider the rest of the plan during the next several months, with a decision expected by the end of 2004.

A pre-bidding conference for the RFP has been set for 1 p.m. MDT Sept. 20, 2004, at 550 15th Street in Denver. Successful bids are expected to be announced by May 2005, and Xcel Energy intends to have all of the successfully bid renewable energy projects in service by December 2006.