DENVER, CO – Yesterday, Xcel Energy made a major commitment to long-term renewable energy goals throughout its eight state service area. Xcel, which provides electricity and natural gas service to the Chippewa Valley, committed to reducing carbon emissions by 80 percent from 2005 levels by 2030, and to completely eliminate carbon emissions by 2050.

In Wisconsin, this announcement comes as Xcel Energy is already working toward 85% carbon reduction by 2030 with the Upper Midwest Energy Plan that will be laid out next year. Among Xcel’s energy mix are renewable and nuclear sources, and the company is committed to responsible energy production that keeps customer costs low. The company has already had outstanding success in cutting carbon emissions 35% since 2005.

The long-term commitment requires significant planning and development, and provides an excellent opportunity for economic growth in the Chippewa Valley. Existing clean energy solutions have already proven to provide clean air, economic growth, and job creation while providing cost effective energy.

This is an exciting announcement for the region, providing a rare opportunity to meet the City of Eau Claire’s both sustainability and economic development efforts.