NRC: Monticello Power Plant Can Increase Output

The Minneapolis-based utility said Tuesday the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved its application to increase the plant's output, from 600 megawatts to 671 megawatts.

Xcel Energy says in the next month, operators will begin slowly increasing power at the plant, located about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis.

Tthe company also is waiting for an NRC decision next spring that would allow it more flexibility before the plant starts producing a full 671 megawatts.

The Monticello plant currently generates about 10 percent of the electricity Xcel Energy provides customers in its Upper Midwest service territory.