Xcel Energy recently submitted their “Alternative Plan,” which has them cancelling their plans for a natural gas plant in Becker. This decision comes after various environmental groups decided to fight against the plan for a natural gas plant. 

In an article submitted to the Patriot last April, one such activist group, the Sierra Club, outlines their issues with the natural gas plant plan.The following is a quote from that article:

“Through community and rooftop solar, through independent community wind farms, Xcel can ensure that homeowners and wind farms can benefit econom- ically,” said Sue Hedtke, Monticello resident, Wright County Indivisible coordinator, grandma, and retired teacher.

“Instead, Xcel is proposing a massive fossil gas plant that would emit over three million metric tons of carbon a year!”

However, not everyone is a fan of Xcel’s decision. Some Becker officials are concerned about what it will mean for the city when the Sherco plants are decommissioned and Xcel leaves Becker behind.

“We are disappointed with the recent announcement about the combined cycle natural gas plant that was proposed to be built in Becker,” said city administrator Greg Pruszinske. “The combined cycle natural gas plant would certainly benefit Central Minnesota and assist in offsetting lost jobs and tax base when Sherco Units 1, 2 and 3 are decommissioned. We are also concerned about reliable and affordable electricity for all users on the system as the Midwest is subject to weather extremes on both ends of the spectrum.”

In a separate statement, Pruszinske submitted the following to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission:

“As you are aware, Xcel’s ‘Alternate Plan,’ filed today, June 25, 2021, removes the combined-cycle unit at the Sherco Plant from the company’s preferred plan. In light of recent discussions that have taken place within and surrounding this docket, this decision was not unexpected, but it is no doubt devastating to the socioeconomic future of the City of Becker and the surrounding region. As the company notes in its filings, the full retirement of Sherco coal units combined with the decision not to construct the combined-cycle plant will mark the end of an era. The City of Becker has hosted a central power station since the 1970s.”

“The CUC supported the construction of a combined cycle natural gas facility in our comments filed on February 11, 2021 because of the significant positive contribution the facility would make to the local economy. The combined cycle plant was also viewed as a central component in the city’s efforts to weather the socioeconomic impacts of retirement of all three Sherco coal units.”

Becker Mayor, Tracy Bertram, indicated the city is looking for ways to cope with the situation, stating, “The decommissioning of Xcel’s three coal burning plants has been a factor that we, council, have had on our forefronts for the past few years and is a key component as we plan for the future of Becker. We support all of our businesses in the decisions they have to make. Our job as leaders of Becker is to stay apprised of the changes and make the adjustments needed on our end to ensure sustainability.”

Representative Shane Mekeland stated, “This was very disappointing news. The Alternative Plan for Xcel is going to have impacts both locally and across the upper midwest.”

“The PUC has extended the comment period for concerned Minnesotans. Right now the issue is up in the air, and hopefully it’s not a lost cause.

“My main issue is the reliability of solar and wind. This is the largest coal plant in Minnesota, it’s going to be hard to replace that power. Solar and wind power make up only a marginal amount of the power used in Minnesota. If the power goes out on an 80º plus day, or on a 30º below day, we’re going to be in for a world of hurt. Elderly people can’t tolerate extreme heat, and nobody can tolerate extreme cold.”