Conservation proposal unveiled by Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy proposed implementing 56 energy-saving electricity and natural gas programs over three years as part of its conservation plan, unveiled last week.

The program is pending approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. If approved, Xcel would begin implementing new programs and expanding existing programs between 2013 and 2015. They would help both residential and commercial customers conserve energy.

The proposal will guide Xcel’s conservation efforts for the next three years, officials said. During that time, the utility plans to spend approximately $260 million to meet the state's objective for a 1.5 percent savings of retail energy use.

Proposed programs target “hard-to-reach” customer groups, officials said, and will encourage long-term energy planning, target natural gas customers and those living in apartment buildings.

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