Xcel Energy builds on environmental, community commitments

MINNEAPOLIS, June 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Xcel Energy in 2012 achieved milestones in energy efficiency, emissions reductions and renewable energy. These achievements are highlighted in the company's annual Corporate Responsibility Report.

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"We deliver safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our customers in a responsible manner for the environment and the communities we serve," said Ben Fowke, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy. "The keys to achieving that mission include innovative programs offering customers the ability to choose renewable energy sources and save energy, and improving the performance of our own power plants and facilities."

For nine years, Xcel Energy has issued a corporate responsibility report to explain and disclose to customers, shareholders and stakeholders the company's economic, social and environmental impacts in the communities it serves.

Through the combination of conservation, renewable energy and power plant improvement projects, Xcel Energy reduced its carbon emissions by 18 percent since 2005.  Carbon reduction is projected to reach 27 percent by 2020.

Xcel Energy increased its use of wind energy 20 percent, adding more than 1,000 megawatts of wind power to its system in 2012.  The American Wind Energy Association ranked Xcel Energy the No. 1 wind power provider in the United States for the ninth consecutive year.  Solar energy grew on Xcel Energy's system by about 30 percent in 2012. Customers set a record for energy conservation for the third year in a row by taking advantage of Xcel Energy's energy efficiency programs.

Xcel Energy's total corporate giving exceeded $37.7 million in 2012. This includes donations from the Xcel Energy Foundation, contributions to energy assistance organizations, and employee giving and volunteer hours.

"We are proud to contribute to the strength of the communities where we live and work, and our environmental leadership is just one way we accomplish that," said Fowke.

Xcel Energy's Corporate Responsibility Report is available online at www.xcelenergy.com/CorporateResponsibility.

Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company that provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies in eight Western and Midwestern states. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis. More information is available at xcelenergy.com.

Xcel Energy External Affairs
Contact: Erin Mathe 
414 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN
612-330-1915
www.xcelenergy.com
[email protected]

SOURCE Xcel Energy