Minn. Regulators Approve Xcel Long-Term Plan

MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota regulators have signed off on Xcel Energy's plan for the future, which could include expanding generation capacity and storage at one of its nuclear power plants.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the plan on Thursday. It covers how the utility proposes to meet demand for power 15 years into the future, and what specific steps it will take in the next five years.

The plan includes increasing generation capacity and dry cask storage at the Prairie Island nuclear plant near Red Wing. Despite its general approval of the long-term plan, the PUC still has to evaluate that specific proposal and decide whether it's needed.

The PUC also approved Xcel's 1.3 percent conservation goal. Environmental groups had asked the commission to require a 1.5 percent conservation goal.