EnergyXcel Energy strikes deal to purchase low-emissions gas in Colorado Liz Hampton 2 minute read Electric and gas utility Xcel Energy (XEL.O) on Wednesday agreed to buy natural gas for its Colorado customers produced with tight greenhouse emissions controls, making it one of the earliest major utilities to embrace certified lower-carbon gas. The pilot project comes as energy companies are striving to cut carbon emissions to gain support of consumers and investors. Two years ago, Xcel Energy, the largest utility in Colorado, committed to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. Crestone Peak Resources will supply the utility with "responsibly sourced gas" certified by Denver-based Project Canary, which supplies continuous monitoring technology and a certification process to give an emissions rating for natural gas.