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MINNEAPOLIS - Xcel Energy today requested proposals for large-scale solar projects totaling up to 100 megawatts as part of its effort to bring more solar power to customers.

"We are committed to providing solar power to customers in the most reliable, cost-effective way possible," said Dave Sparby, president and CEO of Northern States Power Co.-Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company. "As the nation's No. 1 wind provider, we know the importance of renewable energy as part of a diversified energy portfolio."

The request for proposals calls for the selected large-scale solar projects to be installed by the end of 2016, prior to a reduction in the federal Investment Tax Credit for solar. Together with the economies of scale offered by large solar systems, the tax credit allows Xcel Energy to keep costs as low as possible for customers.

A copy of the request for proposals and additional details are available at: "2014 NSP Solar Power Request for Proposal". Proposals are due June 20. Xcel Energy will evaluate the proposals through mid-August, followed by contract negotiations. Any resulting power purchase agreements will be submitted to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for approval in late October, with a commission decision expected by early 2015 and construction expected to commence shortly after commission approval.

Xcel Energy has also developed new community solar gardens and Solar Rewards programs that, along with large-scale solar projects, will help meet the new state requirement that solar energy provide 1.5 percent of customers' electricity needs by 2020.

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Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company that provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies in eight Western and Midwestern states. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis. More information is available at www.xcelenergy.com.

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