UPGRADING PRAIRIE ISLAND
1973: Prairie Island Nuclear Unit 1 begins operating.
1974: Unit 2 begins operating.
2009: Minnesota Public Utilities Commission concludes that a proposed 12 percent power boost at Prairie Island nuclear plant is a good deal for customers.*
2011: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission renews reactors' licenses for another 20 years.
2012: Plant owner Xcel Energy Inc. warns that the proposed power upgrade needs a fresh look in light of changed circumstances, including slack electric demand. Utility's application for federal safety review of the project is postponed.
2017-2018: Latest estimate of when plant modifications might take place for power upgrade.
2033-2034: Plant's operating license expires as each unit reaches 60 years old.
*Xcel separately plans to increase output at its other nuclear reactor in Monticello, Minn. The matter is pending before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
![Attendees of Frostbike made their way through the convention Saturday at the Quality Bike Products campus in Minneapolis. ] (AARON LAVINSKY/STAR TRIBUNE) aaron.lavinsky@startribune.com Frostbike 2016 was held at the Quality Bike Products Campus on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 in Bloomington, Minn.](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/NH2BSHB74ND2V6GF2G2HI5X4MM.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
