Dive Brief:

• Xcel Energy wants Minnesota state regulators to approve the recovery through higher electricity rates of roughly $665 million spent to upgrade the 600 megawatt (MW) Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant.
• The cost is more than double the utility's estimate and will be heavily scrutinized by the Public Utilities Commission.
• The five-year upgrade included replacing filters, pumps and other equipment as well as a 71 MW capacity upgrade to the nuclear reactor. 

Dive Insight:

Xcel argues that, despite the cost, the benefits of keeping the nuclear plant in operation for another 20 years will include zero emissions of carbon dioxide. Nuclear is second behind coal-fired generation as a source for power to Minnesota.