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Xcel Energy Adding New Wind Project in Colorado

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Colorado’s largest utility has announced its adding more wind power, further helping it meet a mandated renewable energy standard.                                       

Xcel Energy says it’s taking advantage of favorable market conditions for wind projects, by adding 200 megawatts of generation near Limon through a contract with NextEra Energy Resources.  The Limon Wind Energy Center will have turbines located in Lincoln and Elbert Counties.

Because of a slowdown in the wind energy sector, prices became more competitive, according to Xcel officials. The contract for the energy will save consumers some 40% over previous bids on the work.  Xcel Energy originally bid the 200 megawatts of wind for Colorado in early 2009.  But in November 2010, they rebid the project.

With the addition of the Limon facility, Xcel will have 4 wind projects in Colorado with a combined generating capacity of more than 774 megawatts, or enough to power up to 260,000 households.  Under state mandate, Xcel must get 30% of its power from renewable sources by 2020.  The company says it’s on par to meet that requirement three years early – by 2017.

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