Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) is focused on balancing the need for reliable, affordable energy while building a clean energy future for our customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to the environment and our communities has been recognized by our inclusion on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for North America in 2010-2011.

We’ve been reducing power plant emissions, promoting energy efficiency and using renewable energy for more than a decade. We’re the No. 1 wind power provider and the No. 5 solar utility in the United States. We offer our 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers some of the largest conservation programs in the country and have helped our customers save enough energy since 1992 to enable us to avoid building more than 12, medium-size power plants.

We contribute two percent of our earnings, approximately $13 million in 2009, to community non-profit organizations across our eight-state service area in the Midwest and West. We do this through focus giving, concentrating on science and math education, environmental stewardship, job training and preparedness and access to the arts. We also match our employees' time and gifts to the community including through our annual United Way campaign. Finally, we do everything we can to help our customers one-on-one when they are struggling to pay their energy bills. In 2009, we contributed an additional $16 million toward energy assistance beyond our usual charitable contributions.

We believe we have a responsibility to have a positive impact in all we do -- as an employer, neighbor, community advocate and environmental steward.

Visit xcelenergy.com for more information.

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