The utility is purchasing electricity from three new solar-power installations in Minnesota: the 62.5-MW Marshall solar project, owned by NextEra Energy, four miles east of Marshall, the 100-MW North Star project in Chisago County, and the 100-MW Aurora project that is spread across 16 sites.
South Dakota PUC Chairman Chris Nelson said he does not want ratepayers in the state charged more than they should be for political decisions in Minnesota. The increase would come to about 3 cents/kWh.
In a request filed Nov. 30, PUC staff said it “believes it is necessary to evaluate the resource to determine whether the [power purchase agreement] is reasonable and cost effective considering other electricity alternatives.” Commissioner Gary Hanson said he is always concerned about Colorado and Minnesota because those states do things in ways that South Dakota doesn’t. “This is something I’m always concerned with,” he said.
The investigation will specifically look at the fuel clause rider filed by Xcel. Xcel representative Jim Wilcox said the company understands the commission’s desire and accepts the staff’s request.
Source: Utility DIVE