Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy will be inspecting their transmission lines by helicopter again. The inspections in Minnesota and the eastern Dakotas start today (Monday) and should take about six weeks.

Our air conditioners will be working overtime this week, trying to keep us cool. We have some tips for you to help keep your electric bill down. Xcel Energy says there are things you can do, to lower your electric use this week.

About 1,350 Xcel Energy customers are without power this (Tuesday) morning. The power went out at 8:15 a.m.

Xcel Energy has reached a deal with regulators, consumer advocates and businesses for a $114 million increase in electricity rates over three years.

Minnesota regulators have approved an electric rate increase that's less than half of what Xcel Energy originally sought. On a 4-0 vote, the state Utilities Commission Thursday approved a 2.7% rate increase for Xcel Energy's electricity customers in Minnesota.

Xcel Energy is making some safety upgrades to it's two nuclear power plants in Monticello and Prairie Island. Director of Nuclear Regulatory Policy Terry Pickens says they're bringing in new portable equipment.

Officials say a 2-inch break in a pipe leading to a chlorine bleach tank is to blame for a chemical spill at the Prairie Island nuclear plant near Red Wing.

The Monticello Nuclear Power Plant returned to full power this (Tuesday) morning. It had been operating at a lower power since a reactor automatically shut down safely on November 19th.

The Sherco 3 power plant near Becker remains out of service after a weekend fire. A spokesman for Xcel Energy says the coal-fired plant had been down since mid-September for routine maintenance.

Operators returned the Monticello Nuclear Power Plant to full power this (Monday) morning, after replacing a cable that failed on October 21st.