Colo. Settlement Talks Begin In Xcel Rate Request

DENVER (AP) — Xcel Energy Inc. is discussing a possible settlement in its request to raise rates to recoup $159 million in costs, and might file a new request by Wednesday.

Renewable energy advocates and others have objected to Xcel's request. State regulators held a public hearing Monday.

The rest of the two-week hearing by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission was delayed because of talks between Xcel Energy and interveners in the case.

Xcel Energy's proposed increase would raise residential rates by about $4.50 per month and small business rates about $7 per month.

The Minneapolis-based utility says it wants to recover some of the costs of investing in a coal plant, two natural gas plants, power lines and other equipment to improve the reliability of its electric service.