Xcel Energy gets regulator approval to boost renewable energy, cut coal

Xcel Colorado’s plan to increase its share of power from wind and solar sources and retire one-third of its coal generation was approved by state regulators on Monday.

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission voted 2-1 to support the Colorado Energy Plan, reports the Denver Post, which the company said will cut carbon dioxide emissions by 60 percent and increase renewable energy to 55 percent of its mix by 2026. It’s also expected to save customers $213 million.

As part of the plan, Xcel said it will phase out its coal-fired Comanche 1 and 2 plants in Pueblo a decade earlier than…