Judge: Nuclear plant changes should be OK'd

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An administrative law judge has ruled that Xcel Energy be allowed to store more spent nuclear waste and increase electrical generating capacity at Prairie Island nuclear plant.

Judge Richard Luis waded through thousands of documents and other evidence before making his recommendation Wednesday to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

"Shutdown of the Prairie Island Plant would adversely affect the future adequacy, reliability, safety and efficiency of the energy supply to Xcel's customers," Luis wrote in his report.

Xcel is currently seeking state permission to house up to 35 more casks at the nuclear plant and increase its electrical generating capacity by 164 megawatts.

Officials have also filed a federal application to renew the plant's operating license for up to 20 more years.

The PUC will review Luis' recommendation and also have access to the record generated during the contested case hearing.

The commission's decision will then be passed on to the state legislators.

Read Saturday's print edition of the Republican Eagle for more on this story. Saturday's edition also will include a story on the city of Red Wing's reaction to a judge's ruling that it is not entitled to more money to ensure police and fire protection at the plant.

Tags: local news, red wing, prairie island, nuclear plant, news