Xcel Energy Inc.
06/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/26/2024 15:26
Material Event Form 8 K
Item 8.01. Other Events
2024 Minnesota Natural Gas Rate Case
On Nov. 1, 2023, NSP-Minnesota filed a request with the Minnesota Public Utility Commission (MPUC) for an annual natural gas rate increase of approximately $59 million, or 9.6%. The request is based on a Return on Equity (ROE) of 10.2%, a 52.5% equity ratio and a 2024 forward test year with rate base of approximately $1.27 billion. In December 2023, the MPUC approved NSP-Minnesota's request for interim rates, subject to refund, of approximately $51 million (implemented on Jan. 1, 2024).
On June 26, 2024, NSP-Minnesota and various partiesfiled an uncontested settlement, which includes the following terms:
•Natural gas rate increase of $46 million, or 7.5%.
•ROE of 9.6%.
•Equity ratio of 52.5%.
•Rate base of $1.25 billion.
•No change to Commission approved decoupling.
A MPUC decision and order is expected by the end of 2024.
Xcel Energy reaffirms its 2024 GAAP and ongoing earnings guidance of $3.50 to $3.60 per share, which is based on several key assumptions, including constructive regulatory outcomes.
Certain information discussed in this Current Report on Form 8-K is forward-looking information that involves risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements, including those relating to expected rate increases to customers, expectations and intentions regarding regulatory proceedings and the effective date of the rates, 2024 ongoing earnings guidance, as well as assumptions and other statements are intended to be identified in this document by the words "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "objective," "outlook," "plan," "project," "possible," "potential," "should," "will," "would" and similar expressions. Actual results may vary materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking information. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in NSP-Minnesota's Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2023, and subsequent filings with the SEC, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: operational safety, including our nuclear generation facilities and other utility operations; successful long-term operational planning; commodity risks associated with energy markets and production; rising energy prices and fuel costs; qualified employee workforce and third-party contractor factors; violations of our Codes of Conduct; our ability to recover costs; changes in regulation; reductions in our credit ratings and the cost of maintaining certain contractual relationships; general economic conditions, including recessionary conditions, inflation rates, monetary fluctuations, supply chain constraints and their impact on capital expenditures and/or the ability of NSP-Minnesota to obtain financing on favorable terms; availability or cost of capital; our customers' and counterparties' ability to pay their debts to us; assumptions and costs relating to funding our employee benefit plans and health care benefits; tax laws; uncertainty regarding epidemics, the duration and magnitude of business restrictions including shutdowns (domestically and globally), the potential impact on the workforce, including shortages of employees or third-party contractors due to quarantine policies, vaccination requirements or government restrictions, impacts on the transportation of goods and the generalized impact on the economy; effects of geopolitical events, including war and acts of terrorism; cybersecurity threats and data security breaches; seasonal weather patterns; changes in environmental laws and regulations; climate change and other weather events; natural disaster and resource depletion, including compliance with any accompanying legislative and regulatory changes; costs of potential regulatory penalties and wildfire damages in excess of liability insurance coverage; regulatory changes and/or limitations related to the use of natural gas as an energy source; challenging labor market conditions and our ability to attract and retain a qualified workforce; and our ability to execute on our strategies or achieve expectations related to environmental, social and governance matters including as a result of evolving legal, regulatory and other standards, processes, and assumptions, the pace of scientific and technological developments, increased costs, the availability of requisite financing, and changes in carbon markets.