|
For Immediate Release:
June 1, 2022
|
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Contact: Cori Rude-Young, 651-201-2241
|
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission accepts Xcel's Integrated Distribution Plan and certifies Resilient Minneapolis Project
St. Paul, Minnesota —Today the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) voted to accept Xcel Energy’s Integrated Distribution Plan (IDP) and certify the Resilient Minneapolis Project (RMP).
The development and acceptance of Xcel’s IDP brings transparency and aids in the integration and coordination of the distribution, transmission and generation systems. Integrated Distribution Planning provides the PUC with information to understand short and long-term distribution system plans, costs and benefits of specific investments, and a comprehensive analysis of customer cost and value. Features of this IDP include setting forecasts, proactively planning electric vehicle additions, improving non-wire alternatives and planning for capacity during peak hours.
Within the IDP, Xcel included a certification request for three microgrid projects called the Resilient Minneapolis Project. The RMP seeks to improve community level resilience, as well as provide power for critical services during a natural hazard event at three locations in Minneapolis: North Minneapolis Community Resiliency Hub, Sabathani Community Center, and the Minneapolis American Indian Center.
“The Resilient Minneapolis Project brings a great opportunity for Xcel Energy to operate and study microgrid technology in a way that supports resilience in historically disadvantaged communities," said Commissioner Joseph Sullivan.
The PUC established cost caps for the RMP to protect ratepayers, and established reporting requirements to ensure that lessons can be learned and applied from this pilot project on resilience.
About
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc.
|
