Wind Power Helps Utility Xcel Energy Slash Carbon Emissions

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As of 2013, utility company Xcel Energy says it has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 20% since 2005, thanks in large part to its commitment to clean energy such as wind power.

‘Over the past decade, Xcel Energy has invested in a cost-effective clean energy strategy that is benefiting both our customers and the environment,’ says Ben Fowke, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy. ‘We are making significant progress reducing emissions at an excellent price through a combination of energy efficiency programs and coal plant retirements and conversions, and by embracing renewable energy earlier than other utilities. We are on track to surpass our company's original carbon reduction target of 20 percent to achieve a projected carbon reduction of 31 percent by 2020."

In its annual corporate responsibility report, Xcel Energy also reveals it has more than doubled its use of renewable resources from 7% of the company's energy mix in 2004 to 20% in 2013, and the company plans to reach 27% by 2020.


As part of that commitment, Xcel announced plans in 2013 to add another 1.9 GW of wind power and 170 MW of solar energy to its portfolio – all at prices below fossil fuel alternatives. In addition, the company notes the American Wind Energy Association recently named Xcel the top U.S. utility wind provider for the 10th consecutive year.

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