Xcel proposes buying 200 megawatts of wind power

DENVER (AP) – Xcel Energy Inc. has proposed buying 200 megawatts of wind generation from NextEra Energy Resources LLC that it originally offered to the city of Boulder as part of franchise negotiations with the city.

Boulder now plans to ask voters whether they want to start a municipal utility instead of renewing a franchise agreement with Xcel.

If the Colorado Public Utilities Commission approves Xcel’s wind proposal, the power would come from turbines in Lincoln County near Limon.

Xcel already is ahead of schedule to meet a state mandate to get 30 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, but executives said Thursday that the company wants to take advantage of historically low wind prices and production tax credits.