MONITORING - Xcel Energy...president of Human Resources and Employee Services and chief human...

MONITORING

XTRAO C T O B E R 1 , 2 0 1 8 V O L U M E 1 9 • I S S U E 1

Effort tracks plant operations to catch issues early

vv

Content

4

6

8

14

12

18

ValuesRefreshed values reflect company’s core beliefs.

Innovator and I Deliver AwardsThe most recent winners are announced, along with descriptions of their award-winning work.

Monitoring and Diagnostic CenterEffort predicts potential problems to save time and resources.

Energy PartnersProgram helps communi-ties identify their future energy goals.

Customer TrainingA new course looks to help employees enhance the customer experience.

PeopleThe most recent Friends We’ll Miss and Retirements.

On the CoverNow in its fifth year of op-eration, the Monitoring and Diagnostic Center initiative has proven its worth and grown to include the bulk of the company’s fossil plants, along with company-owned wind and nuclear facilities. Here, Boyd Mauldin, senior engineer, monitors op-erations at various company facilities in the center at the Materials Distribution Center in Colorado. For more information, please see page eight.

OUR VALUESOne team powered by many

CONNECTEDInnovate together. Celebrate together.

Always put we before me — we win as a team.Value the diversity that each of us brings — be inclusive.

COMMITTEDAct like an owner.

Never settle — be curious and �nd a better way.Keep customers and communities the center of all we do.

TRUSTWORTHY Give respect, earn respect.

Keep your word — integrity matters.Do the right thing — lead by example.

SAFESafety always — no exceptions.

Be responsible for each other’s safety.Do your part to keep communities safe.

4 6

8 12

14

vv

(Editor’s Note: Ben Fowke, chairman, president and CEO, periodically writes a blog on XpressNet, as well as other articles and communications. Xtra features Fowke’s comments on a recurring basis to share his thoughts with a wider audience.)

Sharing our story with stakeholders is one of the most important functions of our strategic planning. Without stakeholder buy-in, it’s almost impossible to receive the regulatory approvals needed to achieve our vision. As you know, our strategic direction is greatly influenced by decisions from state regulatory commis-sions. Not every decision goes our way, but one thing that remains constant is the meticulous due diligence and stakeholder engagement required to put our best foot forward. We’ve been fortunate to win several regulatory approvals recently – from the early retirement of two coal units at our Sherco Generating Station in Becker, Minnesota to the approval of the largest multi-state wind investment in the country. All 12 wind farms have been approved and will produce 3,680 megawatts of clean energy, allowing us to transition from the approval phase to execution. It’s important to note that we can’t use a cookie-cutter approach as the regulatory climates and policy interests of each jurisdiction can vary significantly. Perhaps the most impressive regulatory approval came in late August when the Colorado Public Utilities Commission approved our Colorado Energy Plan, which will transform how energy is produced in Colorado for decades to come. By 2026, 55 percent of the power we produce in Colorado will come from renewable energy sources due to the early retirement of two coal units at Comanche, and the addition of wind, solar and battery storage, as well as natural gas replacement generation. Approval of the Colorado Energy Plan will secure low-cost renewable energy for our customers, reduce carbon emissions 60 percent from a 2005 baseline and drive economic development of $2.5 billion in eight

Colorado counties – $1 billion coming directly from Xcel Energy investments. None of those goals would be possible without stakeholder engagement. When we proposed the Colo-rado Energy Plan more than a year ago, we collaborated with a consortium of 16 different stakeholder groups – from environmental groups to businesses communi-ties – to support our vision to bring more clean energy to Colorado. That initial support was instrumental to receive commission approval to build out the plan, ask for bids and recommend the best approach. And it was only the beginning. Once we filed the plan, we had dozens more stakeholders who voiced their support. Stakeholder support comes in various ways. It could be as simple as a signed letter from a city, town, large customer or chamber of commerce. It could even be as detailed as a business owner testifying in front of the commission or a city approving a resolution in support of the plan. There was also unprecedented support from cultural groups, like the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Through our partnership with EEI, national retail customers like Target and Hilton Hotels also backed the plan. All these efforts are important, and it starts with listening and responding to community interests. Through this approach, we are building plans where stakeholders have ownership. Our plans become their plans, and because of this, they are willing to take ac-tion and help persuade regulators. One of our most critical conversations was with EVRAZ, the largest employer in Pueblo and our largest commercial customer in the state. We devised an in-novative solution to develop a large on-site solar garden that will provide needed replacement generation and allow EVRAZ to continue to operate the steel mill and prepare for future expansion. Thanks to significant stakeholder outreach, the Colorado Energy Plan is the latest example of how we are leading the clean energy transition while keeping bills low for our customers.

Stakeholders key to Colorado Energy Plan

CEO Message

4 XTRA OCTOBER 1, 2018

Values Values are an integral part of understanding and conducting our relationships with family, friends and the world at large. In the business world, in particular, they involve relation-ships with both customers and fellow employees. They can play an important role in the success of a business. To that end, a refreshed set of values has been announced at Xcel Energy. They are: Safe, Committed, Connected and Trustworthy. “Our values reflect our core beliefs – who we are, how we conduct our business and the importance of our customers,” said Ben Fowke, chairman, president and CEO. “They guide us in our work and in our interactions with each other. The four concepts may seem simple, but they are the foundation of every aspect of how we work.” Xcel Energy’s business is changing, along with its work-force, and customers’ expectations are rising, creating new and exciting challenges, he said. “The new values build on our company’s hundred-year track record of delivering safe, clean and reliable energy, creating a future in which we can offer our customers and communities even more,” Fowke said. “They are a foundation of our culture that will help employees thrive, and they fit hand in glove in fulfilling our vision and mission.”

The four values touch on every aspect of the company’s work and interactions. These are just some of the ways to think about them:• Safe – We are responsible for our own safety and for that of

our coworkers and our communities. We believe that every employee should go home in the same condition they arrived in.

• Committed – We stay curious and look for ways to make tomorrow better than today and to continuously improve. We give back to our communities, and we keep our customers at the center of all we do.

• Connected – We are one team powered by many. We win as a team and value the diversity that each of us brings to work. We innovate and celebrate together.

• Trustworthy – We give and earn respect. We keep our word, because integrity matters. Whatever our role, we do the right thing and lead by example.

“Our values are the foundation of our success in this changing business environment,” said Darla Figoli, senior vice president of Human Resources and Employee Services and chief human resources officer. “Xcel Energy is becoming more innova-tive, competitive and customer focused – and our refreshed values reinforce these important attributes. “A fresh look at values provides the opportunity to create a





































Refreshed values reflect company’s core beliefs

5 OCTOBER 1, 2018

Valuescommon language to guide our actions, behaviors and deci-sions,” she said. “These values help us understand how we work together at Xcel Energy, and I believe our values define not only how we work but the experience we expect to have when we come to work.” The effort to evaluate the company’s values began late last year, said Judy Poferl, senior vice president of Corporate Secretary and Executive Services. “When we began, we used this premise: Who are we and what do we look like when we come together and do our work well?” Poferl said. “Since then, we have involved a cross-sec-tion of employees at many levels and from all over the company – making sure our values reflect who we are today and who we’ll be in the future.” The work began with a group of leaders from different parts of the company, known as the culture team, which was charged with looking at the elements of the Xcel Energy’s cul-ture, she said. Those leaders asked themselves what’s working well, what needs strengthening and what does the company need to be successful for the long term? “We all own the values and need to live them in our work, so that small group of leaders reached out to employees across the company and at multiple levels,” Poferl said. “In all, more

than 500 employees – both bargaining and non-bargaining – participated in stakeholder sessions to share their feedback and ideas.” Throughout the effort, the culture team stayed in contact with the executive team, and several senior vice presidents also shared progress with their teams. “The contributions of everyone involved were critical to refreshing the values we want to guide us and identifying ways to embed the values into all that we do,” Poferl said. “The work began by asking employees for their input and ideas on how best to incorporate the values into how we work – and interact with one another and our customers. “What we found is that employees across the company were deeply engaged and invested in our values,” Poferl said. “And this really underscored the importance of this work.” “All of us should use the values to guide how we go about our work – and consider them when setting goals, when making decisions and when interacting with each other,” Figoli added. “We want every employee to know personally what it looks like when we are connected, committed, safe and trustworthy. “We’re carrying forward the core sentiments of the values that got us to where we are today, while looking ahead to the behaviors we need to carry us into a successful future.”

Refreshed values reflect company’s core beliefs6

7

LIVING OUR VALUES

OUR VISION, MISSION AND VALUES


VISION To be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need

MISSION To provide our customers the safe, clean, reliable energy services they want and value at a competitive price


Always put we before me — we win as a team.

Value the diversity that each of us brings — be inclusive.


Never settle — be curious and find a better way.

Keep customers and communities the center of all we do.


Keep your word — integrity matters.

Do the right thing — lead by example. SAFE

Safety always — no exceptions.

Be responsible for each other’s safety.

Do your part to keep communities safe.

DO

DON’T

Build strong relationships

Seek feedback

Be open to new and different ideas

Create a safe environment for all to speak up

Operate in silos

Be judgmental or stereotype others

Pass the buck or blame others

DO

DON’T

Strive to exceed our customers' expectations

Step up, own it and act with urgency

Challenge the status quo

Give back to the community

Take our customers for granted

Give up even when the task is challenging

Do what’s easy instead of what’s right

DO

DON’T

Follow the Rules to Live By

Adhere to processes and procedures

Say something if you see something

Protect yourself and those around you

Take shortcuts

Assume others will take care of it

Be afraid to ask for help or to stop work

DO

DON’T

Be honest and ethical

Be transparent

Communicate openly and often

Be an Xcel Energy brand ambassador

Be disrespectful of others

Disregard our compliance obligations

Break the “Golden Rule”

CONNECTED COMMITTEDTRUSTWORTHY

SAFE

✃ ✃


Innovator and I Deliver awards announced(Editor’s Note: Innovator and I Deliver awards at Xcel Energy reward performance when teams and employees deliver greater-than-expected results. These award opportunities are designed to help fuel collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement and an enhanced customer experience. Xtra is running a series of articles on select winners.)

Innovator AwardsBeyond Visual Line of Sight Thanks to the efforts of a cross-functional team, Xcel Energy recently became the first utility in the nation to re-ceive a Federal Aviation Administration waiver to fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems beyond the visual line of sight. The team, with members from Transmission, General Coun-sel, the Enterprise Transformation Office, and Policy and Federal Affairs, developed a unique partnership with the FAA to help expedite the waiver. The effort entailed an exhaustive process, requiring more than 1,000 miles of test-flight demonstrations and an 800-plus-page application. The FAA ruling permits Xcel Energy to operate drones to perform electric transmission line inspections, covering far greater distances (from 30 to 50 miles) and allowing more data to be collected in fewer flights. The innovation reduces the number of helicopter trips needed for line inspections, reaping environmental and safety benefits. It also saves the company about $1.3 million in O&M costs through 2020, with more cost savings to come in the years ahead. The UAS program will continue to yield benefits as it is scaled across other operational areas, and enhances Xcel Energy’s reputation with important stakeholders and the utility industry.

Texas-New Mexico Wind Customers in Texas and New Mexico will benefit signifi-cantly from lower bills and an additional 1,230 megawatts of carbon-free wind energy, thanks to the efforts of a cross-func-tional team from nearly all areas within the company. The project is a giant leap forward in Xcel Energy’s clean-energy transition, reducing CO2 emissions by 12 percent, in-creasing renewable energy on the regional system by 22 percent and yielding about $2.8 billion in total energy savings over the life of the project. The team showed innovation by establishing favorable ratemaking principles and treatments. That work included developing a comprehensive business and regulatory plan for approvals in both Texas and New Mexico for certificates of convenience and necessity, as well as regulatory recovery plans in multiple jurisdictions. The team’s work will continue to yield benefits in future rate proceedings regarding costs and tax credits associated with the company-owned wind generation facilities.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Clean-Energy Transition

7 OCTOBER 1, 2018

Innovator and I Deliver awards announcedI Deliver AwardsIncreased Reporting Productivity Xcel Energy recently started exploring the use of robotic automation on reports to simplify processes and help employees focus on more complex data analysis. Two employees in Finance recently provided expertise on a project team, which was tasked with automating the monthly PowerPlan batch-reporting and journal-entry process. The original process required plenty of upfront prep work – exporting data from the PowerPlan work-order system, and then performing a series of corrections and format changes before fi-nally analyzing the output. Serving as subject-matter experts for the project, the employees thoroughly documented the process and the time needed for each step. Over the course of several months, the employees worked with an internal technology team and an external consultant to review documentation and refine the overall process. They provided valuable feedback to improve the process, leading to a successful proof of concept. Their work has since been used to support additional automation efforts. The team also created an improved template for the reports before they undergo the automation process. The new template has resulted in a more efficient process at the front end, which requires less prep time and allows for more time to analyze the reports and journal entries.

Cherokee Lime Disposal Cherokee Generating Station requires the services of a vendor for waste disposal of lime solids from the plant’s former lime-sludge ponds and its new lime-sludge filter press. Lime was used to treat the plant’s flue gas for sulfur dioxide, but Cherokee has ceased coal operations as part of the company’s clean energy future strategy. The former vendor’s equipment consistently did not work

efficiently with the Colorado plant’s equipment. The needed roll-offs that are placed under the filter press did not fit correctly and were difficult to position. Recognizing this inefficiency, an environmental analyst decided to investigate the issue further. The analyst contacted another vendor to determine its roll-off costs and the type of equipment used. Eventually, a new provider was identified. It could provide dedicated equipment that met the specifications of the plant at less than half the cost. The new vendor also was located closer to the plant and offered better service terms, resulting in an annual cost savings of $74,000.

Jones Permit Modifications To support Commercial Operations, two Energy Supply employees undertook a permit-modification effort to increase operating hours at Jones Generating Station’s units three and four. Added in the 2000s, the units are natural gas fired combus-tion turbines, capable of quickly adding generation to the grid when wind energy drops off. The employees submitted permit modifications to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to increase operating hours and startups because improvements were needed. Over an extended time, the employees worked with TCEQ to move the modifications through the regulatory process. The pair forged strong partnerships with stakeholders to draft the permit modification, which led to cost savings at Jones Station. Approval of the permit modification hinged on effective collaboration with internal and external partners, as well as a strong partnership with the state regulator. Commercial Operations has calculated nearly $750,000 in annual benefits through fuel savings due to the new air-permit modifications.

Cherokee

Jones


MONITORING AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

In the era of endless data, insights are a valuable thing. Predicting potential problems and addressing them before they become an issue can save time and resources. In many cases, it’s more cost effective to proactively maintain something than to reactively repair it. So it is with Energy Supply’s ongoing and expanding Monitoring and Diagnostic (M&D) initiative. The M&D Center is based in Denver, with a satellite Nuclear operation in Minne-sota. Now in its fifth year of operation, the initiative has proven its worth and grown to include the bulk of the company’s fossil

plants, along with company-owned wind and nuclear facilities. The center’s beginnings came in 2014 with a pilot program that covered seven plants, which remotely monitored complex mechanical and electrical processes, said Phil Yakimow, man-ager of Performance Monitoring. They included the company’s six largest coal-fired generating facilities (Tolk, King, Sherco, Pawnee, Comanche and Harrington) and one combined cycle facility (Rocky Mountain). Kent Larson, executive vice president and group president of Operations, had come across the technology and realized its potential for Xcel Energy. The pilot soon answered the ques-

Effort predicts potential problems to save time and resources

9 OCTOBER 1, 2018

MONITORING AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER

tion of whether the effort made sense and whether it should be handled in-house. The answer to both was “yes.” The pilot quickly proved that such an operation could pro-vide the ability to improve plant reliability, optimize performance and minimize repair costs – all key goals for Energy Supply and its operations. The effort begins with a fleet-wide, data-management system that records and stores plant data from all of participating sites in one location. OSI-PI is the system used to process all of this data, and Business Systems’ “PI Team” ensures its reliable operation.

“The plants were data islands before the PI System existed, and you had to be at a plant to see what was going on,” Yaki-mow said. “Now the PI system gives us a uniform and consis-tent data platform for whatever type of analysis we need. “It can be used by Engineering, Performance, Finance, Plan-ning and any number of subject-matter experts, you name it,” he added. “M&D and the sites tap into this data stream with the predictive software that the initiative is founded on.” Surprisingly, perhaps, the center is not a 24/7 operation. The results produced are generally so predictive that employees can identify problems far ahead of time. For example, an early

Effort predicts potential problems to save time and resources


vibration issue may not be a problem, but given early warning, a plant can perform testing, increase monitoring or plan for maintenance with additional warning. “It gives the plants and Energy Supply as a whole the chance to investigate and react as required,” Yakimow said. “We’re able to have much better visibility into how our plants are operating and how the equipment is running. The center moves our window to act out to a much longer timeframe.” The guts of the center’s operations is General Electric’s SmartSignal software product. The program takes tens of thousands of raw data points every 10 minutes and sifts through them to find anomalies. “It’s like sifting through tons and tons of ore to find a few gold nuggets,” Yakimow said. “Anything that floats up as a po-tential concern, after local weather conditions and other normal factors are considered, could be a problem and is noted to the appropriate plant personnel.” Of course, the success of this initiative is due in large part to the many plant managers, engineers and union personnel who take advisory information provided by the M&D Center and act upon it in an expeditious manner, he said. Another equally important factor is the good working relationships that M&D staff has with the participating plants. M&D personnel provide regular reports about operating trends and predictive information to plant engineering, operations and maintenance teams, who use the insights in conjunction with conventional practices to benefit operations. “When any system is outside a normal historical pattern, we get an advisory, and it’s our job to decide whether we are in a new state of operation that the model needs to learn or one that needs plant attention,” said Jonathan Hicks, principal engineer. “We help turn big data into really useful data. We’re continually creating ongoing operating profiles for the critical systems at each plant and have expanded our coverage beyond our original scope.”

If something significant does come up that can have an immediate impact on a generating unit, M&D Center employees move quickly. “They’ll call us on the phone to let us know, and we’ll look at it immediately,” said Ruben Roman, maintenance manager at Comanche Generating Station. “And then we’ll follow up with either an engineer or subject matter expert, and go out and take a look at the piece of equipment to see if there is anything out of the ordinary going on. They give us the opportunity for an early warning that is going to minimize downtime, repairs and everything that goes with it.” There are many tangible benefits from the operation, Yaki-mow said, including improved plant availability and reliability by avoiding critical equipment failures; reduced costs; mitigation of safety events; better environmental compliance; and a reduction of human performance issues. Going forward, the center will continue to add company-owned wind resources to its workload. By 2021, Xcel Energy will own and operate about 4,400 megawatts of wind energy. This translates to roughly 2,200 wind turbines that will be monitored by the M&D Center. Other company groups, such as Gas Operations, are also now looking at ways the center could help their operations. Overall the potential savings from avoided costs now stands at more than $21 million for the center’s five years of operations. But the main point is to help the plants and help the fleet maintain reliability, Yakimow said. “We’ve identified more than 700 issues, which could have led to unit outages or de-rates and equipment failures, as well as other performance, process or control issues,” he said. “Given those great results, we’re looking forward to what we can keep adding to this process. “It’s a best-practice system – blending real-time equipment information, digital technology and collaboration to provide the reliable power generation that our customers expect from us.”

Tracking OperationsA Monitoring and Diagnostic Center pilot program several years ago quickly proved that such an operation could provide the ability to improve plant reliability, optimize performance and minimize repair costs at numerous company generating facilities. Power plants that are part of the effort include King (above left), Fort St. Vrain (top right), Comanche (center right) and Harrington (bottom right). Pictured on pages eight and nine are Boyd Mauldin (left), senior engineer, and Matt Boddy (right), staff engineer, both with Performance Monitoring.

11 OCTOBER 1, 2018


PARTNERS IN ENERGY

v Many communities are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption and support clean energy. Xcel Energy now has a group of passionate individuals committed to energy conservation and helping those communities. The effort, known as Partners in Energy, started in the fall of 2014 and is targeted at communities in an attempt to help them identify their future energy goals, develop a strategic plan and implement projects to achieve their goals. Typically, the community brings ideas and resources, while Xcel Energy offers direction, guidance and project management, said Tami Gunderzik, manager of Partners in Energy. “It became evident that local government was going to have a bigger role in choices around energy, and we needed more programs and services to meet their needs,” she said. “By working with commu-nities to support development and action on energy-action plans that they own, it solidifies our role as their energy partner. “These partnerships allow us to hear what the communities we serve prioritize and then identify potential gaps where we can provide products to meet their needs,” she added. “Partners in Energy efforts enable us to reach more of the businesses and homes we serve, when the local teams use our current conservation and renewable energy offerings to reach their goals.” An energy-action team is a group of local residents, business owners or energy stakeholders who work to develop the community’s energy-action plan and oversee its implementation. They are often the

local leaders who work with Partners in Energy while connecting with their community. Action plans are based on community needs, resources, leader-ship commitment and energy conservation desires. Strategies to gain local support may include education, events and promotional out-reach – all approaches designed to gain recognition, participation and spread awareness to local residents. “Each community has a chance to figure out what its goals are through the planning process,” Gunderzik said. “Usually, there is an ambitious long-term umbrella goal identified, and we encourage them to include additional short-term goals with more measurable metrics. “Part of our support is to track and report progress,” she added. “It is a good motivator to continue efforts and encourage more people to get involved. Having hard metrics differentiates this program and pushes communities to obtain tangible results.” Success is dependent on how the community has identified it, such as by number of participants, kilowatt-hours or gas therms con-served or other measures. Some Partners in Energy successes include:• Ramsey County Parks and Recreation Department (Minnesota) –

The program worked with the department to make its parks, golf courses, ice rinks and nature center and administration buildings more energy efficient, while promoting conservation and renewable energy sources to its 100,000-plus visitors.

• Jefferson County Sustainability Commission (Colorado) – The pro-gram is working on county buildings, and promoting energy

Helping communities reduce energy consumption

13 OCTOBER 1, 2018

Parking lot lights are only on when necessary thanks to a newly installed efficiency control system at golf courses.

To learn more about the “Green Spaces Green Places” initiative please visit ramseycounty.us/parksprojects.

RAMSEY COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION AND XCEL ENERGY ARE PLEASED TO WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE OUR COMMUNITY GOALS.

PARTNERS IN ENERGY

vefficiency and renewable energy to the unincorporated areas of Jefferson County. The commission was successful in bringing in financing, promoting energy-efficient lighting to small businesses and homes, and holding residential workshops to promote energy conservation.

• St. Louis Park (Minnesota) – The community’s energy-action plan resulted in development of a full-fledged climate-action plan. In addition to promoting energy efficiency in businesses, it prioritized working with youth. Goals included achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 and sourcing 100 percent renewable energy community-wide by 2025.

Local leaders don’t always come from government entities. A Colorado nonprofit group in Summit County, known as High Country Conservation Corp. (HC3), put together an action team that included both ski resorts and local government. Summit County held a series of workshops in an effort to develop an energy-action plan. Gunderzik had been working with the county through Partners in Energy since 2015. In addition to being large employers and a big part of the economy in Summit County, ski areas are focused on sustainability as a shared priority in an industry so dependent on the weather. Working with the resorts, Partners in Energy helped them create a collaborative plan to share best practices and help each other conserve more energy. It also provided support for other parts of the plan, as well. “We supported LED lightbulb giveaways to residents and helped HC3 promote lighting conservation to small businesses and promote a

green-business recognition program,” Gunderzik said. “We helped the group reach its goals around solar by providing the tools and resources needed to better understand the industry and help remove some local barriers to completing installations.” Honoring the measurable results from the partnership with Xcel Energy, the resorts recently honored Gunderzik and Sharon Panas, the resorts’ account manager, with the first-ever Collaborative Conserva-tion Award. The pair was recognized for their work supporting Summit County and area ski resorts to achieve their sustainability goals. Partners in Energy has worked with 36 communities to date to develop energy action plans – 20 in Minnesota and 16 in Colorado. In 2017, these communities had more than 34,000 participants in company DSM programs, with an average 15 percent increase over 2016 savings from many first-time DSM participants. In terms of the future, Partners in Energy is now looking at com-munities that don’t have the resources to move through a full-fledged planning process. Some communities can’t implement a full plan, so the company is looking to support more short-term goals, she said. Another goal is giving communities the chance to work together through in-person gatherings. And yet another idea involves prepack-aged plans that communities can pursue. “My role in Partners in Energy has given me great opportunities to continue learning new things, while achieving tangible results for the company and our customers,” Gunderzik said. “We hope these new ideas will help us create even more results in the future.”

Helping communities reduce energy consumption


CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE TRAINING

As customers are exposed to more and more great experiences, their expectations continue to rise for all of their service providers. “Customer experience, and everything that goes into making that experience, is becoming more critical every day and provides an opportunity to differentiate ourselves as a company,” said Megan Scheller, director of Customer and Brand Strategy. “As we look to expand our role in customers’ lives, the experiences we offer – from the employees they encounter, to the voices they hear, to the mobile app they use – are all opportunities to make a lasting impression.” To evolve customer relationships, Xcel Energy needs to stay ahead of their changing needs and enhance its customer experi-ence. With new entrants into the industry every day, deepening customer relationships is more important than ever, she said. A new Customer Experience Training effort is aimed at helping employees see how they can best interact with custom-ers and improve relationships so they will remain Xcel Energy customers in the future. “Customer Experience Training isn’t just about customer service – it’s more than that,” Scheller said. “A customer could have great customer service, but still have a poor experience. “It goes beyond the service,” she added. “It’s about ensuring the processes, procedures and decisions we all make every day are focused on the customer. Some touchpoints a customer may never actually see, but they will feel them in their overall experience.”

In 2018, more than 3,000 employees went through the new training – including all of Distribution and Customer Solutions. They undertook the in-person training at service centers and other facilities across the service territory. “The training directly ties to the company’s new corporate values regarding behaviors and culture,” said Larry Crosby, senior vice president of Distribution. “Having the skill sets – along with the people, process and technology to provide a high-level customer experience – will directly impact the company’s bottom line and provide employees with a more enjoyable workday.” The training involves three separate sessions or “modules,” which build on one another through activity-based learning. The interactive aspects of the training allow employees to apply real-world customer experience scenarios in a way that further reinforces the effort’s principles, said Heather Hemphill, with Customer Solutions and lead of the new training effort. Module one involves the customer-centric mindset. It focuses on building a customer mindset, and helps employees explore the customer experience – and what it means to be a company focused on the customer and committed to creating meaningful relationships. Module two looks at ownership and opportunity, helping employees see and identify opportunities in their roles that can influence the customer experience. It also looks at the role of personal accountability in working with customers. Module three helps employees learn how to take action

Learning how to improve customer relationships

15 OCTOBER 1, 2018

around what they’ve learned earlier in the training. It presents an easy-to-follow process to determine what individual employ-ees can do in their role to take action with customers, as well as how to eliminate barriers to taking action. So far, the training has received positive feedback in surveys, with more than 75 percent of participants saying the training was useful, and 71 percent saying they believe the training prepares them for improving the customer experience. Best practices say anything above 70 percent is good, Hemphill said. “The training has helped employees further understand how the things that they do each and every day can directly impact a customer’s experience and perception of the company,” Crosby said. Employees also appreciate that the company is further investing in the customer experience in terms of skill develop-ment, he said, and there is now more talk among employees about the importance of delivering a quality experience every time they interact with a customer. “The training started the conversations between me and my co-workers,” said John Gardner, an engineer with Electric Design in Texas. “We talk about where we can improve service to enhance the overall customer experience. “For me, it’s listening, being humble and being compassion-ate towards the customer,” he added. “I see a customer as a neighbor and recognize that we share the same needs.” Tony Cordes, a lead service-fitter with Gas Operations in Colorado, said he now sees more opportunities to interact with customers and tries to keep an open mind.

“I put myself in the customer’s shoes to better understand how they want to be treated,” he said. “I work to understand their concerns and resolve them. And I try to take action that day, and if I’m unable to, follow up with my manager to find a workable solution.” Kirk Hodnefield, a district troubleman with Electric Construction in Wisconsin, said he has plenty of established relationships with customers because they are his neighbors and community members. “I listen, assess the situation and clearly communicate how I can help,” he said. “I take time to build a rapport with them and take time to fix all problems the first time. “I also act as a liaison for my customers to ensure the ball does not get dropped on their projects,” he added. “I follow up with those involved to ensure the project is progressing on time.” Customer and Brand Strategy is regrouping and revisit-ing the training this fall, before expanding the training to other areas of the company in 2019. “Customers now have more choices than ever before – whether it’s solar, batteries or other services, and other companies are influencing and making connections with our cus-tomers,” Scheller said. “We have the opportunity to play a more predominate role in their lives, but we have to earn it – and a great experience is the first step. “Transforming the customer experience will be a journey, and this training is just one way we are committed to making sure we are successful,” she added. “It takes time, but we all have to be willing to make changes to get there.”

Activity-Based LearningEmployees at Lipan Distribution Center in Denver under-take a group exercise as part of the Customer Experience Training effort above and on page four. All of Distribution and Customer Solutions went through the training this year.


Xcel Energy, Minneapolis Park Board recognized for solar projects Xcel Energy and the Minneapolis Park and Rec-reation Board (MPRB) recently received the Clean Energy State Alliance’s “State Leadership in Clean Energy”

(SLICE) award for bring-ing solar power to five Minneapolis parks. The three-year project is one of six programs nationwide recognized with a 2018

“SLICE” award for its outstanding accomplishments. A nearly $1 million grant from the Xcel Energy Renew-able Development Fund and $150,000 in matching funds from the MPRB made the project possible. In 2014, the MPRB received the grant and began community engage-ment and research to vet 52 potential sites for renewable energy in the Minneapolis park system. Five sites were ultimately selected. The first and largest installation was completed at Parade Ice Arena in 2015. Projects at East Phillips Cultural and Community Center, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and Webber Natural Swimming Pool began produc-

ing power in 2016, and the final solar installation was completed at Lake Nokomis Main Beach during the summer of 2017. “This effort is a great example of public and private partners working together to benefit the community, and we’re honored to be recognized,” said Lee Gabler, senior director of Customer Solutions. “Renewable energy options are a big part of our future, and we’re pleased to work with the recreation board on a project that exposes more people to the benefits of solar energy.” “This is a wonderful project that demonstrates the enormous potential for solar energy in our parks – at the beach, pool, ice arena or recreation center,” said Mary Merrill, MPRB superintendent. “We’re proud of the project’s thorough community-engagement process, creative planning and beautiful results.” The Clean Energy States Alliance, a nonprofit coali-tion of public agencies working together to advance clean energy, established these biennial awards to highlight model programs and projects that have accelerated the adoption of clean energy technologies and strengthened clean energy markets. The recipients of the awards were chosen by an independent panel of five judges, each with years of experience in clean energy.

Photo Op

News Brief

Wind-Turbine GlimpseChip Self, staff engineer, took this photo of the inside of a wind-turbine tower at the company’s new Rush Creek facility in Colorado. It shows the tower’s ladder and safety scaffolding at the top of the photo. He took the image while the central shaft of the tower was still lying on the ground. Rush Creek begins full operations this month.Editor’s Note: “Photo Op” is a standing feature in Xtra. Each issue, a photo submitted by a reader or produced by a member of Corporate Communications will be published. Please submit high-resolution digital photos to the editor at the email address listed on the back page of this publication. By submitting images for “Photo Op,” employees give Xtra permission to run the photos.

17 OCTOBER 1, 2018

‘Thank you doesn’t seem like enough to say’

Dear Xcel Energy:

I live in tiny Snyder, Colorado, and we had two torna-does here recently. I am emotional while I type this, with so much gratitude for the Xcel Energy crews who came to help us. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough to say, but I wanted you to know how incredibly thankful we are. I am sure some of the crews worked through the night and all day on Monday in some pretty dangerous conditions to re-store power to our little community a full nine hours earlier than the estimate given. After something so scary and awful, the Xcel En-ergy teams worked so hard to give us back a little bit of “normal.” I offered the crews in my area lunch and bottles

of water. They thanked me and declined saying, “This is what we do. We help people when they need it most.” I want you to know that you have wonderful people working there, and we are so grateful for the extra help. Thank you for sending the cavalry out to the plains!

—Judi Shepard

‘Thank you for all you do for us’

Dear Xcel Energy: Recently there was a city-wide power outage that was needed to drop old lines and connect new lines. I just wanted to say thank you! The work was done earlier than planned, and the workers did a great job. Thank you for all you do for us here in the desert.

—Sally Kelly

Letters

News BriefsDavis receives Del Hock Lifetime Achievement Award

Jerome Davis, regional vice president of Customer and Community Relations–Colorado, recently received the 2018 Del Hock Lifetime Achievement Award at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and luncheon. The award honors the individual wisdom, involve-ment and leadership of an outstanding person who has set the direction of suc-cess for the Denver Metro

Chamber and played a significant role in determining the destiny of the Denver metro community, according to the chamber. Davis has long been active in the community and

served as a board mem-ber for the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, as well as Visit Denver, Colorado Health Foundation, Aurora Economic Development Council and the Denver Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy. Under Davis’ guidance, Xcel Energy has built a solid reputation for community involvement. The company’s charitable giving foundation, which is supported by share-holder investments, has made substantial investments in focus area grants to support and promote workforce development, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, environmental stewardship and access to the arts. Davis also has oversight of the company’s United Way campaign, employee volunteer programs, and corporate sponsorships that support organizations and programs in the Colorado communities served by the company The award was first presented in 1996 and is named after Del Hock, former chairman and CEO of Public Service Co. of Colorado.

Online Xtra subscription available for employees and retirees Employee readers of Xtra can now opt out of receiving the print version of Xcel Energy’s employee and retiree pub-lication, and instead read the online version on XpressNet or via a portal on the company’s website at xcelenergy.com. To complete the opt-out process, employees need to fill out a form on the Xtra homepage of XpressNet, provid-ing their name, employee ID and company email address. Those who choose to opt out will receive an email when a new issue is available for online viewing.

The opt-out form and online versions of Xtra can be found by clicking on the “Xtra Online” link, located at the bottom of the XpressNet homepage. The online edition of Xtra also can be found at xcelenergy.com/Xtra – or from the home page, look under Community/Community Involve-ment/Retiree Directory. In addition, retirees can opt out of receiving the print version, or request address changes regarding home delivery of the print edition, by calling the Human Resources Service Center at 800.689.7662. They also are invited to visit the web-page noted above (or xcelenergy.com/Retirees) to view the latest issue, as well as a number of back issues of Xtra.

Jerome Davis

People

Friends We’ll MissDavid Acosta, 71, classified mechanic, Construction, Materials Distribution Center, Henderson, Colo., died on June 23, 2018. He worked for PSCo from 1990 to 2012.

Alexandra Aguilar, 49, customer contact associate, Customer Con-tact, Amarillo Call Center, Amarillo, Texas, died on Aug. 23, 2018. She worked for Xcel Energy from 2013 until the time of her death.

Donald Anderson, 86, meter tester, Electric Meter, Minneapolis, Minn., died on July 26, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1952 to 1987.

Kenneth Aucutt, 90, supervisor, Electric Maintenance, Chestnut Service Center, Minneapolis, Minn., died on Aug. 17, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1948 to 1988.

Neal Bates, 92, shift supervisor, Regional Production, Colorado, died on Aug. 10, 2018. He worked for PSCo from 1957 to 1986.

Mary Beatty, 96, clerk, Customers Department, Denver, Colo., died on July 2, 2018. She worked for PSCo from 1966 to 1986.

Dean Blankenship, 86, tree trimming foreman, Overhead Con-struction, Chestnut Service Center, Minneapolis, Minn., died on July 18, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1955 to 1992.

Chester Bijoch, 91, janitor, Prop-erty Management, General Office, Minneapolis, Minn., died on June 14, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1958 to 1993.

Anthony Benkusky, 91, General Office, Minneapolis, Minn., died on July 7, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1952 to 1990.

David Borgen, 89, marketing representative, Red Wing Service Center, Red Wing, Minn., died on July 11, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1963 to 1988.

Son Cao, 46, technician, Account Management, Managed Accounts, 1800 Larimer, Denver, Colo., died on July 20, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy from 1998 until the time of his death.

Jack Carter, 85, business opera-tions manager, Northwest Regional Management, St. Cloud Service Center, St. Cloud, Minn., died on Aug. 8, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1955 to 1988.

Melvin Caudle, 88, Harrington Station, Amarillo, Texas, died on July 6, 2018. He worked for SPS from 1951 to 1991.

Gary Charpentier, 78, tree trimmer, Newport Service Center, Newport, Minn., died on July 28, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1960 to 1995.

Edward Collins, 88, distribution clerk, Electrical Underground, Colorado, died on Aug. 1, 2018. He worked for PSCo from 1953 to 1986.

Mary Cunningham, 89, Amarillo, Texas, died on Aug. 1, 2018. She worked for SPS from 1961 to 1993.

Joyce Chitty, 71, business support superintendent, Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant, Welch, Minn., died on July 8, 2018. She worked for Xcel Energy from 1980 to 2004.

William Deneen, 50, coordinator, Maintenance Support, Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant, Monti-cello, Minn., died on July 3, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy from 2011 until the time of his death.

Jonell Dickson, 80, Texas, died on Aug. 10, 2018. She worked for SPS from 1964 to 1997.

Roger Dille, 88, project designer, Electrical Customer Service, Edina Service Center, Edina, Minn., died on July 22, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1951 to 1988.

Arthur Finklea, 93, journeyman electrician, Minneapolis, Minn., died on July 11, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1947 to 1985.

Wayne Ford, 70, garage working foreman, Transportation, Roswell Garage Operations, Hobbs Service Center, Hobbs, N.M., died on June 25, 2018. He worked for SPS from 1974 to 2010.

Donald Frei, Jr., 72, meter read-ing manager, Customer Accounts Meter Reading, Eau Claire, Wis., died on July 20, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1966 to 2001.

Amedee Gregoire, 86, gas fore-man, Gas Operations, St. Cloud Service Center, St. Cloud, Minn., died on July 17, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1952 to 1987.

Michael Haas, 68, safety consultant, Safety, Energy Supply, Chestnut Service Center, Min-neapolis, Minn., died on July 16, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy from 1969 to 2005.

Michael Hogan, 72, van operator, Metro Meter Reading, Lipan Trans-portation Center, Denver, Colo., died on Aug. 6, 2018. He worked for PSCo from 1967 to 2004.

Gary Hopkins, 81, transportation foreman, Corrective Maintenance, Denver, Colo., died on July 27, 2018. He worked for PSCo from 1963 to 1994.

Wesley Jensen, 88, engineer, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Center, Denver, Colo., died on July 25, 2018. He worked for PSCo from 1970 to 1993.

Roger Kehm, 93, operating engineer, South Dakota Electric Operations, Sioux Falls Service Center, Sioux Falls, S.D., died on July 16, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1956 to 1985.

Gilbert Koenigs, 84, St. Paul, Minn., died on April 10, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1957 to 1992.

James Lee, 75, mechanic, Garage, Sioux Falls Service Center, Sioux Falls, S.D., died on July 27, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1980 to 2000.

William Leonard, 94, system superintendent, System Control Center, 414 Nicollet Mall, Min-neapolis, Minn., died on July 17, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1945 to 1983.

Steve Lysne, 68, senior engineer-ing technician, Abbotsford Service Center, Abbotsford, Wis., died on July 2, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1998 to 2015.

Clair Logan, 65, welder machin-ist, Maintenance, Sherco Plant, Becker, Minn., died on July 18, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1986 to 2003.

John McBride, 63, senior operations manager, Substation Construction, Amarillo Technical Center, Amarillo, Texas, died on Aug. 8, 2018. He worked for SPS from 1974 to 2018.

Alan Morganfield, 74, team lead, Siting and Land Rights, Technical Services Building, Denver, Colo., died on July 20, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy from 1967 to 2003.

George Mucilli, 88, unit manager, Gas Fitting Operations, Kipling Service Center, Lakewood, Colo., died on July 7, 2018. He worked for PSCo from 1949 to 1994.

Gordon Myers, 73, working foreman, Silverthorne Gas Opera-tions, Tiffany Compressor Station, Ignacio, Colo., died on June 17, 2018. He worked for PSCo from 1982 to 2011.

Paul Napier, 79, maintenance supervisor, Power Generation, King Plant, Bayport, Minn., died on June 4, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1966 to 1997.

Jeffrey Nauman, 59, foreman, Hydro Maintenance, Hydro, Wissota Maintenance Building, Chippewa Falls, Wis., died on July 1, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1989 until the time of his death.

Michael Nero, 74, Distribu-tion Mapping, Lipan Distribution Center, Denver, Colo., died on Aug. 3, 2018. He worked for PSCo from 1972 to 2003.

Chad Nissen, 48, principal engineer, Engineering and Design Outsourcing, 414 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minn., died on July 3, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy from 2013 until the time of his death.

Roger Owen, 97, financial vice president, Amarillo, Texas, died on June 28, 2018. He worked for SPS from 1948 to 1983.

Jerry Parko, 72, shift supervi-sor, Operations, Cameo Station, Palisade, Colo., died on July 19, 2018. He worked for PSCo from 1968 to 2003.

Arlen Patton, 92, construction services manager, Colorado, died on July 25, 2018. He worked for PSCo from 1954 to 1986.


John Peltier, 83, line crew fore-man, Electric Line Crew, Sioux Falls Service Center, Sioux Falls, S.D., died on July 15, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1957 to 1996.

Leon Reinarts, 82, system relay specialist, Operations, Maple Grove Materials Complex, Maple Grove, Minn., died on Aug. 13, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1981 to 2007.

Frank Robinson, 70, credit and collection specialist, Credit Sup-port South, Amarillo Call Center, Amarillo, Texas, died on Aug. 7, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy from 1970 to 2018.

Lance Romero, 36, design consultant, Design Strategy and Performance, Kipling Service Center, Lakewood, Colo., died on July 18, 1018. He worked for Xcel Energy from 2014 until the time of his death.

Ronald Sather, 84, designer su-pervisor, Central Metro, Eau Claire, Wis., died on Aug. 8, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1961 to 1993.

Donald Stcynske, 88, foreman, Metro East, St. Paul, Minn., died on June 19, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1947 to 1990.

Ralph Stone, 77, senior technical instructor, Quality Academy, Gen-eral Office, Minneapolis, Minn., died on July 2, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1963 to 1998.

Clifford Tice, 97, general manager, Plant Engineering and Construction, General Office, Minneapolis, Minn., died on July 3, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1948 to 1984.

Russell Wagner, 96, dispatch operations superintendent, Sioux Falls, S.D., died on June 8, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1946 to 1981.

John Weyhrauch, 73, special projects consultant, Operating Services, Monticello Nuclear Gen-erating Plant, Monticello, Minn., died on July 31, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1968 to 1999.

Cathy Wiese, 70, resource plan-ner scheduler, Customer and Field Operations, Sioux Falls Service Center, Sioux Falls, S.D., died on July 17, 2018. She worked for NSP from 1967 to 2003.

Scott Wild, 53, line crew foreman, Electric Construction, Western Service Center, Eau Claire, Wis., died on June 20, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1986 until the time of his death.

William Williams, 87, Metro West, Minnesota, died on Aug. 7, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1962 to 1998.

Gary Zimmerman, 77, superin-tendent construction, Mankato Service Center, Mankato, Minn., died on July 8, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1965 to 1988.

Alvin Zirbes, 86, special meter reader, Metro West, Chestnut Service Center, Minneapolis, Minn., died on Aug. 6, 2018. He worked for NSP from 1958 to 1996.

RetiringBruce Ables ([email protected]), shift operator, Hydro, Cabin Creek Generating Station, Georgetown, Colo., retired on Aug. 20, 2018. He worked at Xcel Energy for 36 years.

Dave Albold, lead machinist, Maintenance, Sherco Generating Station, Becker, Minn., retired on Oct. 1, 2018. He worked at Xcel Energy for 32 years.

Randall Anderson, engineering supervisor, Training, Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant, Mon-ticello, Minn., retired on Aug. 3, 2018. He worked at Xcel Energy for 20 years.

Mary Butts ([email protected]), change management, Opera-tions, 414 Nicollet, Minneapolis, Minn., retired on Sept. 4, 2018. She worked at Xcel Energy for 36 years.

David Carlstrom ([email protected]), maintenance supervisor, Mechanical Mainte-nance, Prairie Island Nuclear Gen-erating Plant, Welch, Minn., retired on Sept. 14, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 38 years.

Alan Davidson, director, Capital Projects, Engineering and Construc-tion, 790 Buchanan, Amarillo, Texas, retired on July 23, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 34 years.

Carl Davis, blue hat, Line Depart-ment, Levelland, Texas, retired on Aug. 13, 2018. He worked at Xcel Energy for 41 years.

Patrick Donahue ([email protected]), electrician specialist, Operations, Fort St. Vrain Generat-ing Station, Platteville, Colo., retired on Sept. 27, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 16 years.

Larry Fuller ([email protected]), Operations Services, Lipan Distribu-tion Center, Denver, Colo., retired on Sept. 17, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 47 years.

Terry Garritson, logistics store-keeper, Logistics, Alamosa Service Center, Alamosa, Colo., retired on Sept. 7, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 35 years.

Joe Geiser ([email protected]), manager, Contract Manage-ment, Supply Chain and Strategic Planning, 414 Nicollet, Minneapolis Minn., retired on Aug. 3, 2018.

Joyce Gutkowski ([email protected]), cash processing manager, Billing Services and Operations, Centre Pointe, Roseville, Minn., re-tired on June 15, 2018. She worked for Xcel Energy for 44 years.

Kevin Haaker ([email protected]), senior project control special-ist, Engineering and Construction, 414 Nicollet, Minneapolis Minn., retired on Sept. 4, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 17 years.

Keith R. Heck, station electrician, Electric Shop, Sherco Generating Station, Becker, Minn., retired on Sept. 4, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 31 years.

Joseph Henkel ([email protected]), gas programmer, Business Systems, Lookout Center, Golden, Colo., retired on Sept. 9, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 39 years.

Wendy Jaede ([email protected]), customer advocate analyst, Customer Advocates, Centre Pointe, Roseville, Minn., retired on Aug. 31, 2018. She worked at Xcel Energy for 39 years.

Debra Johnson ([email protected]), benefits consultant, Total Rewards, 1800 Larimer, Denver, Colo., retired on Sept. 7, 2018. She worked for Xcel Energy for 28 years.

Glenn Jones ([email protected]), technical specialist, Engineering, Hayden Generating Station, Hayden, Colo., retired on Aug. 9, 2018. He worked at Xcel Energy for 33 years.

Randal Keegan, senior operator repairman, Operations, Black Dog Power Plant, Burnsville, Minn., retired on Aug. 30, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 34 years.

Dennis Kendall, senior systems chemist, Plant Engineering and Technical Support, Comanche Generating Station, Pueblo, Colo., retired on July 31, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 39 years.

Jonathan Kirk ([email protected]), instrument and controls specialist, Operations, High Bridge Generating Station, St. Paul, Minn., retired on Sept. 21, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 32 years.

Steven Laubhan ([email protected]), project manager, Gas Operations, Lipan Distribution Cen-ter, Denver, Colo., retired on Aug. 15, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 39 years.

Greg O’Brian ([email protected]), material operations manager, Supply Chain, Monticello Nuclear Generating Plant, Monticello, Minn., retired on Sept. 7, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 33 years.

Thomas Olsen ([email protected]), lead, Gas Emergency Re-sponse, Rice Street Service Center, St. Paul, Minn., retired on Aug. 31, 2018. He worked at Xcel Energy for 41 years.

Keith Rayman, crew foreman, Electric Construction, Montevideo, Minn., retired on Aug. 8, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 37 years.

Diane Selle, customer service, Residential Property Management Team, Skypark, Eau Claire, Wis., retired on Sept. 9, 2018. She worked for Xcel Energy for 12 years.

Marlis Selle ([email protected]), lead plant equipment opera-tor, Operations, Wilmarth Generat-ing Plant, Mankato, Minn., retired on Sep. 14, 2018. He worked at Xcel Energy for 31 years.

Kelly Tyler ([email protected]), distribution designer, Distribu-tion Design-North, Southwest Service Center, Amarillo, Texas, retired on June 1, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 47 years.

Gary Vancieave, working fore-man, High Pressure Gas, Colorado, retired on Sept. 1, 2018. He worked for Xcel Energy for 36 years.

19 OCTOBER 1, 2018

If you care about where you live, you do what you can to take care of the place. You volunteer, you give back, you help others, and you try to make the neighborhood better for everybody. That’s how we feel about this community. And that’s why we do what we do. For details, visit xcelenergy.com/CommunityPartner.

© 2018 Xcel Energy Inc.

WE CARE ABOUT THIS COMMUNITY AS IF IT

WERE OUR HOME.BECAUSE IT IS.

414 Nicollet Mall, 401-7Minneapolis, MN 55401xcelenergy.com

XTRAPublished by Xcel EnergyKevin Graham, Editor1800 Larimer Street, 9th FloorDenver, CO 80202Phone: 303.294-2417Fax: 303.294.2968email: [email protected]

Contributors: Leah Rohweder, Derek Wolden,

Lauren Bixby and Diana Yee

Design: Steve Berry

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDDENVER CO

PERMIT NO 5064

MONITORING - Xcel Energy...president of Human Resources and Employee Services and chief human...

Documents

Transcript of MONITORING - Xcel Energy...president of Human Resources and Employee Services and chief human...