GOV. RITTER APPLAUDS XCEL ENERGY’S NEW SOLAR PLAN AS JOB-CREATOR

Gov. Bill Ritter applauded Xcel Energy’s announcement today that it is adding nearly 260 megawatts of on-site solar power generation to its renewable energy compliance plan, which was filed this afternoon with the Public Utilities Commission.

The expanded solar photovoltaic goals are part of Xcel’s plan for meeting Colorado ’s Renewable Portfolio Standard over the next decade. The plan includes previously announced targets of 700 megawatts of new wind power and 350 megawatts of utility-scale solar power plants.


“We commend Xcel Energy for filing a forward-thinking renewable energy plan with a significant solar component, one that will create jobs and again demonstrates the utility’s leadership in our New Energy Economy,” Gov. Ritter said. “We applaud the company for adding more than three times the solar photovoltaic resources than the law requires.”

Under state renewable energy requirements, Xcel Energy could have complied with Colorado ’s RPS with just 85 megawatts. But the company has agreed to move beyond that target as part of its Solar*Rewards program.

Xcel Energy, the Colorado Solar Energy Industries Association and the Governor’s Energy Office have worked closely to develop solar photovoltaic targets that build the state’s growing solar industry, create jobs, cut energy costs for residents and businesses and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We look forward to continuing our work with Xcel and CoSEIA as we diversify our energy supplies, improve our energy security and expand our New Energy Economy,” Gov. Ritter said.