Dive Summary:

• Xcel Energy is seeking permission from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to triple its utility-scale solar capacity, boost its wind generation and add natural-gas generation for ramping to support intermittent renewable generation, the utility reported on Monday.
• As a part of its energy plan, Xcel proposed to retire its Denver-based Arapahoe coal plant by the end of 2013 and convert its Denver-based Cherokee coal plant to a gas-fired plant by the end of 2017.
• If approved, Xcel will build 170 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale solar to add to its 80 MW already installed in Colorado; build 450 MW of wind power to add to its 2,650 MW of wind capacity in the state; and add 317 MW of natural-gas power.

From the article:

"This request will add significant amounts of wind and solar energy to the system at the right price, and it makes good sense for our customers and the environment," said David Eves, president and chief executive of Xcel's Colorado subsidiary.