![XCEL ENERGY DROPS EV CHARGING PLANS IN MINNESOTA](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/attachment-c652.jpg?w=980&q=75)
XCEL ENERGY DROPS EV CHARGING PLANS IN MINNESOTA
ST. PAUL (WJON NEWS) - Xcel Energy has withdrawn a plan to build more than 700 electric vehicle charging stations statewide.
The company withdrew its “Clean Transportation Portfolio” plan on June 1st, shortly after the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved a much smaller rate increase than the company was asking for.
![AM 1240 WJON logo](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/11/attachment-wjonam-alexacard-big.jpg?w=100)
The $197 million price tag for the project would have come from Xcel energy ratepayers.
Jay Smith, Charge Ahead Partnership Executive Director, praised the withdrawal.
Xcel was trying to take over Minnesota’s EV charging marketplace, which would have reduced infrastructure and service while raising prices for Minnesotans. Thankfully, there has been enough public pushback and scrutiny from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission that Xcel was forced to back down and withdraw this outlandish request.
The Charge Ahead Partnership, a coalition of retailers, gas stations, and convenience stores testified against the plan.
Smith says it’s a win for Xcel’s ratepayers.
This is a win for Minnesotans. Xcel’s attempt to extend its monopoly into the EV charging marketplace would have burdened all Xcel customers with higher power bills and discouraged private investment in EV charging.
Officials with the Charge Ahead Partnership claim many existing gas stations are willing to offer EV charging, but were hesitant to invest knowing they’d be competing with a power monopoly.
READ RELATED ARTICLES
- Minnesota PUC Approves Xcel Rate Increase
- Central Minnesota Farm Income Climbs
- Stearns and Mille Lacs County Send Princesses to “Miss Kay”
Come Visit Bowlus, MN With Us in Pictures
More From AM 1240 WJON
![I-94 Project Between Monticello and Albertville Starts Soon](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2018/04/Road-Construction.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Buckvold Looking to Lead St. Cloud As Next Mayor](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-thumbnail_20240206-AnneBuckvold-LakeGeorgeStCloud-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Man’s Body Found After Jumping From Veterans Bridge](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/04/70240401_954648994892156_1160412640535642112_n-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Little Falls Man Hurt After Motorcycle Crash Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/05/Mayo-Ambulance-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![See What Happens When The Sun Goes Down At Sleepover Safari](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-tiger.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Two Hurt in Stearns County Crash Near St. Rosa](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Crash-with-Injuries.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Detour In Effect on Highway 23 Between Milaca and Bock](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-Hwy-23-Milaca-to-Ogilvie.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![80s Christian Pop Star Coming To Minnesota This Fall](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-621809252.jpg?w=980&q=75)