Our portfolio of wind energy is a good example. Xcel Energy is the No. 1 provider of wind power in the nation, with about 4,100 megawatts on our system at the end of 2011. We are fortunate to have plentiful wind resources in our service territory, and we took advantage of those resources early. 

Even more important, we added that wind power at a competitive price, making wind a reasonable hedge against volatile natural gas prices. We like to say that we build at the speed of value. That means we take a disciplined approach to adding renewable resources, making sure our customers reap the benefits both financially and environmentally. 

Our clean, reliable nuclear plants also provide value. In 2011, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) extended the operating licenses of both units at our Prairie Island nuclear plant for 20 years. The NRC previously extended the operating license of our Monticello plant. We are awaiting NRC approval of our proposal to increase generating capacity at the Monticello plant and plan to complete the upgrade in the spring of 2013 if approved. 

Meanwhile, we are asking the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to reconfirm our plan to increase generating capacity at Prairie Island due to recent developments 

##  WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 

