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Utilities are turning to so-called “time-of-use” rates to encourage customers to shift some of their energy use away from periods of high demand, when producing and delivering energy is more expensive and often, more polluting.
If state regulators approve Xcel’s plan, the state’s largest electric utility would charge variable electric rates at different times.
The utility’s latest resource plan also calls for adding solar and wind energy, battery storage and building two new natural gas plants for times of peak electricity demand.
Legislation expected to be signed this week will transfer administration to the state Department of Commerce, but some of the costs will continue to be passed down to Xcel Energy ratepayers.
If grid upgrades are required, customers with projects up to 40 kW will pay a single fee of $200, which will cover all upgrade costs up to $15,000.