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Source:
Star Tribune
Minnesota regulators on Wednesday approved Xcel Energy's $750 million wind farm "repowering" project, one of several proposals from the utility to help speed up the state's economic recovery from COVID-19.
Xcel, the state's largest utility, said its plan to retool several existing wind farms will save ratepayers $160 million through efficiency gains. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously agreed, though the Minnesota Department of Commerce opposed Xcel's plan.
"I believe the record shows this will lead to substantial customer savings and ratepayer benefits," said Matt Schuerger, a PUC member.
Xcel's project involves rebuilding wind power plants with new technology and bigger blades that will extend their life spans by about 10 years.