Xcel Energy, the region’s primary supplier of electricity, is
feeling the heat from the federal government. One result is that
ratepayers can expect an increase in their monthly electricity
bills. The utility, though, is being whipsawed by forces out of
its control. It’s a shame. Xcel, which runs Southwestern Public
Service Co. — its Amarillo-based subsidiary — has filed a rate
request with the Public Utility Commission of Texas. It is
proposing an increase that will cost about $6 each month for the
average ratepayer. Where is the pressure being generated? The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has instituted anti-
pollution standards on the utility. What’s more, it is imposing
a deadline that Xcel cannot meet. It must be air-quality
compliant by the first of the year, which is impossible given
the massive amount of work that needs to be done to power plants
run by the utility. Xcel and SPS filed a request for a stay with
the federal court in Washington, D.C., asking the court for
permission for time to brin