An Xcel Energy (NYSE:XEL) spokesperson has confirmed that the company’s Public Service of Colorado utility could start filing state applications for a 600-MW wind power project as early as May.
The project would be built in eastern Colorado. It would utilize Vestas wind turbine technology. If the utility receives timely approvals from agencies such as the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, then the company would expect to have it in operation before the end of 2018, an Xcel spokesperson told GenerationHub on April 14.
Public Service of Colorado President David Eves told reporters of the Xcel Energy plans to develop the wind project during an American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) news conference on April 12. AWEA was releasing its report on the U.S. wind industry for 2015.
Xcel Energy has been honored by AWEA for being a leader in utility wind energy, the company spokesman said. Up until now, however, Xcel Energy has relied on power purchase agreements for wind energy. This would be a move into direct ownership of a wind power project, the Xcel spokesperson said.
Xcel Energy has not yet issued a formal news release, nor has it filed a formal application with the state, the spokesperson told GenerationHub.
