Xcel Energy Seeks To Reverse Deregulation Rules for Unit

摘要

A move by Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy to opt out of new rules in Colorado that require it to bid out new sources of energy has independent power producers worrying about their future. IPPs claim Xcel's request for a waiver to develop on its own a $1.3-billion, 750- MW coal-fired unit at the Comanche Generating Station site near Pueblo is the latest example of utility efforts to move back to regulated energy. The Colorado Public Utility Commission adopted the rules 18 months ago to obtain least-cost electricity for consumers by requiring plants over 250 MW to be competitively bid. They were developed together by Xcel and Colorado Independent Energy Association.