Xcel Energy announces plan for zero-carbon electricity by 2050

Media Contacts

Environment America

DENVER — Today, Xcel Energy announced a plan to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050. Rob Sargent, senior director of Environment America’s clean energy program, issued the following statement.

“Renewable power is here, it’s growing and there’s no turning back. States as large as California and as small as Hawaii have committed to getting rid of fossil fuels. Xcel’s announcement follows the lead of California, which just committed to generating 100 percent of its electricity statewide from zero-carbon sources. With everyone rowing in the same direction, we’re confident that the people in states served by Xcel — including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico and Texas — can meet all of their electricity needs with clean and renewable energy.”

“The consequences of inaction keep getting worse, so we need to do all we can as fast as we can. Xcel’s announcement shows that the writing’s on the wall for fossil fuels and dirty energy, and sets the bar for utilities nationwide. Environment America applauds Xcel’s goals and we’re calling on other public utilities to follow suit.

“While this announcement is good news, it also highlights the gap between where we are and where we need to be. A target of 80 percent by 2030 is what’s needed, along with significant, transformative investments in solar, wind, energy storage and electric vehicle-charging infrastructure.”