Xcel Energy, which provides power to customers in eight states, including Colorado, announced on Dec. 4 a commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2050 from the baseline emissions of 2005.
The ambitious targets — Xcel is the first major interstate utility in the nation to set such lofty goals — immediately drew praise from conservationists, including a solar power entrepreneur whose business originated in Colorado Springs.
David Amster-Olszewski, founder and CEO of SunShare, now based in Denver, issued a statement calling Xcel’s plan “a huge win for consumers, the solar industry, and the environment.”
“We congratulate and commend our partners at Xcel for their bold vision,” his statement said. “SunShare has helped build the community solar programs in Colorado and Minnesota, the nation’s first and largest, both of which are part of Xcel’s service area.”