Xcel Energy proposed closing two of its three coal-fired electric generating plants located in Becker (Sherburne County), collectively known as “Sherco”. HF113 gives Xcel authority to construct, own, and operate an electric generating plant fueled by natural gas on the Sherco site. The bill exempts the company from the requirement to obtain a Certificate of Need from the Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”). The PUC retains authority to approve certain costs for the new plant.
With 39 “Yes” votes and 25 “No” votes the Senate passed HF113 to exempt Xcel from a Certificate of Need to build a new natural gas plant at Sherco. The House also passed HF113 and Governor Dayton signed the bill into law on February 28, 2017.
What Would Happen?
A “Yes” vote supports exempting Xcel from a Certificate of Need to build a new natural gas plant at Sherco.
A “No” vote does not support exempting Xcel from a Certificate of Need to build a new natural gas plant at Sherco.
How The Senate Voted
A “Yes” vote supports exempting Xcel from a Certificate of Need to build a new natural gas plant at Sherco.
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