Today, Xcel Energy unveiled a bill that would allow them to recover an essentially uncapped amount of funds from Minnesota customers to repair their Prairie Island Nuclear Plant. Fresh Energy executive director Michael Noble released the following statement in response.

“This bill would be an incredible gamble for the state of Minnesota. Fresh Energy believes it is potentially economically and environmentally beneficial to keep Xcel Energy’s nuclear plants open until the end of their federal license. But a blank check is not the way to do it. The bill provides no guardrails to ensure these investments are prudent. We support pursuing a comprehensive analysis at the Minnesota Public Utilities commission of what it may take to keep these plants operating another 15 years, but rushing this bill through the legislature undermines the process for a thorough review of costs and benefits.”