Opinion: Xcel Energy: We will Need Natural Gas to Bridge us to a Clean-Energy Future

The Colorado Sun, Robert Kenney

August 23, 2023

Our existing natural gas system, working together with newer solutions, is how we will reach our 2050 net-zero carbon energy vision

Xcel Energy was the first major U.S. power provider to announce a vision for delivering 100% carbon-free electricity to customers by 2050. Today, we’re on track to reduce carbon emissions by 85% from 2005 levels by 2030 and provide electricity that’s more than 80% carbon free.  

We’ve expanded a similar commitment to provide a net-zero natural gas system by 2050, with an interim goal to reduce, by 25%, greenhouse gas emissions from the supply, distribution and customer use of natural gas by 2030. 

One thing is clear as we strive to meet these ambitious goals for the natural gas system: customers want more clean energy options. It’s our job to figure out how to do this while maintaining safety, reliability and keeping bills low.