Today, I would like to talk about Xcel Energy’s Upper Midwest Integrated Resource Plan 2020 2034 (IRP), Docket Number 19-368. I also want to encourage you to support the IRP by submitting comments on or before February 11, 2021 to the Public Utilities Commission.
Xcel Energy’s plan to transform the way electricity is delivered to consumers is groundbreaking, including closing coal power plants early, expanding wind and solar power generation, continuing to use carbon-free nuclear power while ensuring reliability by building a natural gas combined cycle power plant in Becker.
Using efficient natural gas will be a cornerstone of reducing carbon emissions and delivering reliable and cost-effective electricity for homes and business. The Becker natural gas plant is the path forward to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.
Here’s why you should support the IRP and the Becker natural gas plant:
- The natural gas plant in Becker will be a key asset to deliver affordable, efficient electricity when wind and solar production is low and when electric demand is greater than what renewable energy can provide.
- The natural gas plant in Becker will have about 80% lower carbon emissions annually than the current Sherco coal plants because of the smaller size of the plant and significantly lower emissions from gas compared to coal.
- Natural gas is the transition resource we all need as carbon-free generation and long-term power storage technology continues to develop.
- With today’s technology, natural gas and nuclear are the best ways to cost-effectively provide power when renewables aren’t available.
- The Becker natural gas plant will ensure grid stability, electric service reliability and will take advantage of the region’s existing transmission system which was built around the Sherco generating plant thereby saving rate payers the cost to build new infrastructure. Natural gas plays a crucial role in stabilizing the power grid and integrating the high levels of renewable energy coming on-line and being proposed.
