Xcel Energy Inc : Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant returns to service

Coolant system repairs complete

MONTICELLO, Minn. - Operators at Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant returned
the plant to service late last week, after repairing a heat exchanger in the reactor coolant system
and completing other maintenance.

Operators safely shut the plant down Jan. 17 after determining the heat exchanger
needed repairs.

Thursday morning, operators returned the plant to the power level it was at when the
shutdown occurred - about 600 megawatts. Testing now has resumed to bring the plant up to
the full power level allowed under the generation capacity expansion project - called an
extended power uprate - approved late last year by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
The unit is expected to be operating at its full 671-megawatt capacity later this year.

The Monticello plant, which is about 40 miles northwest of Minneapolis, currently
generates enough electricity to power nearly 500,000 homes.