Xcel Energy, a Minneapolis-based electric utility, is inviting potential wind project owners and developers to submit their proposals for new sources of energy.
Beginning March 20, the company will be accepting proposals for new Minnesota wind generation resources to be in commercial operation by Dec. 31, 2008. Xcel Energy will seek approvals for any resulting power purchase agreements from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, the company says.
The effort is part of Xcel's Community-Based Energy Development (C-BED) program. In 2005, the Minnesota legislature directed that each utility establish a tariff for the purchase of C-BED wind energy. The purpose of the tariff is to encourage and promote broader local participation in wind energy development, Xcel adds.
For details and instructions, bidders may visit xcelenergy.com/rfp. The submission deadline is April 20.
