Minnesota Public Utilities Commission okays Prairie Island nuclear plant's extended operation

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Xcel Energy received approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to extend the operations of the Prairie Island nuclear plant into the early 2050s. Xcel says this decision marks a significant move towards providing reliable, carbon-free energy for the Upper Midwest. “As the only 24/7 carbon-free resource currently available, nuclear energy will play a foundational role in meeting our customers’ growing energy demand, supporting economic development, and ensuring energy security in the Upper Midwest,” said Ryan Long, president, Xcel Energy—Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. “We appreciate the Commission’s continued recognition of nuclear energy’s importance and the thoughtful input of many stakeholders, including the Prairie Island Indian