Effort to save Xcel customers millions fails as PUC stands by its decision

During a contentious debate, the commission in charge of setting Xcel Energy rates pushed back on the pushback it’s receiving.

Calling the claims that their decisions aren’t in the consumers’ best interest ‘outrageous’ and ‘ridiculous’, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) made clear of how they feel about some of the state’s top watchdogs petitioning them to reconsider part of a recent decision to increase Xcel Energy rates. 

“My frustration is that I think the advocacy that has gone on since the decision has been by people who know better,” Joseph K. Sullivan, PUC vice-chair, said during Thursday’s meeting. 

“To act like this is arbitrary and capricious is, I mean, I just think it is, it’s cynical,” Sullivan added. 

The main issue at hand during the debate was over how much the PUC increased Xcel’s Retu...