| Xcel Energy, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity to residential, commercial, industrial, and public authorities in the United States. The company generates electricity using coal, nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar energy. It also purchases, transports, distributes, and sells natural gas to retail customers, as well as transports customer-owned natural gas. Xcel Energy primarily serves customers in the areas of Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. As of December 31, 2008, it provided electricity services to approximately 3,374,772 customers, and natural gas services to approximately 1,868,916 customers. Xcel Energy, through its joint venture interests in WYCO Development LLC, develops and leases natural gas pipeline, storage, and compression facilities. The company was founded in 1909 and is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. |