Xcel Energy removes perks from Colorado rate request

Updated: November 24, 2009 - 9:40 PM

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DENVER - Xcel Energy Inc. has abandoned plans to have Colorado ratepayers pay for expensive dinners and luxury hotel stays for its employees.

The Minneapolis-based utility agreed to remove $280,000 in charges meant to cover expenses and perks like Colorado Avalanche hockey tickets. They had been included in its pending $136 million electricity rate increase.

The expenses came to light in September after Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson questioned similar spending attached to a proposed rate request in Minnesota.

Lawyers for Colorado's Public Utilities Commission then sought a breakdown of such expenses in Xcel's Colorado rate request.

Among the items was $45,000 for a weeklong trip to Europe for two executives attending investor meetings. The company had planned to charge Colorado ratepayers $10,361 for that.

ASSOCIATED PRESS