AG Ellison announced that Xcel Energy will be providing a refund of $40.6 million, plus interest, to Xcel’s Minnesota electric customers thanks to a ruling of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). At a hearing today, the PUC sided with Attorney General Ellison’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Commerce when it ordered Xcel Energy to refund all replacement power costs that Xcel incurred resulting from a power plant outage in 2023 for which Xcel was responsible. The refund to customers comes to $40.6 million plus interest, which will likely come in the form of a bill credit in the coming months.

“Xcel passing on its costly mistake to consumers who were in no way at fault was unacceptable. My office stands up for ratepayers who can’t afford their own lobbyists, so we pushed back and argued consumers should get a full refund. At a time when the cost of too many items we can’t do without is already way too high, I’m gratified the PUC sided with us and Xcel customers will see the relief they deserve.” – AG Ellison