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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.