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EIA Analysis of Southwest Hydropower Generation Shows Record Lows and Slow Recovery

LCG, November 13, 2026--The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) today issued an "In-Brief Analysis" highlighting the record lows for hydropower generation in the Southwest this summer. The prolonged drought conditions affecting the Colorado River Basin caused record low hydropower generation this summer in the Southwestern electricity supply region, which includes Arizona, New Mexico, and small parts of Nevada and California. Hydropower generation from April through August 2026 was a full 28 percent lower than the 10-year average and 19 percent lower than during the same period last year.

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NRC Issues Construction Permit for Long Mott High-Temperature, Gas-Cooled Reactor in Texas

LCG, November 11, 2026--The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) announced on November 9 that it has approved the Construction Permit Application ("CPA") for the Long Mott Generating Station in Texas. Long Mott Energy, LLC (LME) must obtain a separate operating license from the NRC before loading fuel or operating the reactors.

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Industry News

Xcel Energy Proposes Accelerating Retirement of Coal-fired Electric Generating Units in Minnesota

LCG, October 7, 2015-Xcel Energy announced on October 2 its proposal to accelerate the company's transition from coal-fired electric generation resources to generating resources with less carbon emissions by retiring two, coal-fired units at its Sherburne County Generating Plant (Sherco) in Becker, Minnesota

Xcel Energy filed its proposal with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) in Reply Comments to the 2015 Integrated Resource Plan that Xcel Energy submitted early this year. The MPUC is currently reviewing the recent proposal.

The Sherburne County Generating Plant is located approximately 45 miles northwest of the Twin Cities on the Mississippi River. Xcel Energy's plan calls for retiring 682-MW Unit 2 in 2023 and 680-MW Unit 1 in 2026. Xcel Energy is the sole owner of the two units, which commenced commercial operations in 1976 (Unit 1) and 1977 (Unit 2). Unit 3, with a capacity of 860 MW, is owned by both Xcel Energy (59 percent) and Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (41 percent).

Xcel Energy's proposal includes (i) accelerating the addition of wind and solar resources, targeting 28 percent of Xcel's energy mix in five years and 35 percent in 2030, (ii) continuing the operation of its carbon-free nuclear plants in Monticello and Prairie Island through their existing licenses, (iii) developing new natural gas generation in the region, including natural gas generation at Sherco and in North Dakota, and (iv) continuing to help customers improve energy efficiency.

The president of Xcel Energy-Minnesota stated, "Today's proposal provides the clean energy our customers want, as well as the cost-effective transition our customers need. By allowing adequate time to transition our workforce and the communities we serve, we can meet their needs and lead the way in delivering carbon free energy."
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