Xcel Energy is a step closer to achieving one of the most aggressive carbon-reduction goals in the industry. The company announced it cut carbon emissions 35%, according to its newly released Corporate Responsibility Report. This puts Xcel Energy on track to reach or exceed its ambitious goal of reducing carbon emissions 60% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
According to Xcel Energy, retiring coal plants and increasing renewables are the keys to the company’s clean-energy transition.
“We’re on a path to provide a more sustainable, prosperous energy future and believe reducing carbon emissions while enhancing affordability is a tremendous benefit for the customers and communities we serve,” said Ben Fowke, Chairman, President, and CEO of Xcel Energy.
Xcel Energy surpassed the U.S. commitment under the Paris Climate Accord in 2016, which called for a 26 to 28% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025. It’s now working to achieve a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2022 from 2005 levels.
The company plans to continue reducing its environmental footprint with an energy mix that is projected to be 60% carbon-free in 2022. This transition to cleaner energy involves retiring aging coal plants and replacing their energy with a combination of wind and solar power and using natural gas as backup.
Much of the energy will come from wind power, as Xcel Energy will more than double its wind generation with 12 new wind farms in seven states. These new energy sources are complemented by two key sources — the company’s broad array of advanced customer energy efficiency programs and the continued efficient operation of its carbon-free nuclear plants in the Upper Midwest.
Other highlights detailed in the report include:
- The 40% carbon-free electricity provided to customers in 2017, about half generated by wind energy.
- The retirement of 20 coal units from 2005 to 2026, representing 40% of its coal-powered capacity.
- Customers’ annual energy savings through the company’s efficiency programs were equivalent to powering 152,000 average homes with electricity and fueling 21,000 homes with natural gas.
- Emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are down more than 70% and water consumption, decreased 40% from 2005 levels.
- A decline in the average Xcel Energy residential electricity and natural gas bill over the past five years, which results in keeping bills flat overall.
- Community investment of $72.9 million in 2017, which includes support for energy assistance that helped customers in need, volunteer programs, and grants through the Xcel Energy Foundation to nonprofits for STEM education, economic sustainability, environmental stewardship, and arts and culture.
The 2017 Corporate Responsibility Report tracks economic, environmental and social performance, and includes information related to the environment, safety, economic development, community giving and workplace programs.
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