Xcel Energy Board Elects New Board Member

MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–David K. Owens has been elected to Xcel Energy’s board of directors
effective immediately. An executive with extensive experience in public
policies concerning energy and utility operations, Owens is recognized
as an industry expert on business transformation.

After 36 years of service, Owens recently retired from the Edison
Electric Institute, the association representing all U.S. investor-owned
electric companies. He served as an Executive Vice President with EEI
and was the first African-American to hold an officer title with the
organization. Owens guided the association on issues affecting the
future structure of the electric industry and the new rules in evolving
competitive markets. He also spearheaded efforts to invest in the
nation’s electric infrastructure with new technology enhancing energy
efficiency with smart buildings, smart meters and smart grids.

“We welcome David to the board and look forward to the contributions he
will make as a member of our tremendously talented team of directors,”
said Ben Fowke, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy. “David’s
forward-thinking approach, extensive public policy experience and
knowledge of innovative technologies will serve Xcel Energy well.”

Before joining EEI, Owens served as Chief Engineer for the Division of
Rates and Corporate Regulation with the Securities and Exchange
Commission where he actively participated in landmark proceedings
involving utility mergers, electric integration issues and utility
financial disclosure.

A driving force behind the founding of the American Association of
Blacks in Energy, Owens has mentored generations of young men and women
pursuing careers in energy. He served on Boards of the National Academy
of Sciences and chaired the National Institute of Standards and
Technology Smart Grid Advisory Committee. Owens is a graduate of Howard
University with a Bachelor and Masters of Engineering degrees, as well
as a Masters in Engineering Administration from George Washington
University.

About Xcel Energy

Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of
homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in
responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean
energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive
prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com
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Contacts

Xcel Energy Media Relations, 612-215-5300
www.xcelenergy.com