AG Ellison: Pine Island data center deal could shift billions onto Xcel customers
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is challenging a proposed Xcel Energy electricity agreement for Google's data center in Pine Island. His office says the deal could shift billions of dollars in stranded and other infrastructure costs onto households and small businesses if Google reduces demand or leaves the system.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's office submitted comments to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission opposing approval of a proposed electricity agreement between Xcel Energy and Google for a data center in Pine Island. The office argues Xcel has not demonstrated that Google will cover all costs associated with serving the facility or that other ratepayers will be protected from stranded costs if Google's electricity demand declines or ends.
Xcel estimates the agreement would provide more than $1.1 billion in net benefits to other customers, while the attorney general's analysis indicates it could instead create roughly $1 billion in net costs. Ellison's office is seeking additional protections and greater transparency, including explanations for extensive redactions in Xcel's filing. The commission has not yet ruled on the agreement.