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Xcel, SEMCO sell Michigan electric and gas operations to Upper Peninsula Power Company. * 10 hrs ago * 0 Xcel Energy, SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company and Upper Peninsula Power Company announced Oct. 6 the sale of Xcel Energy's Michigan natural gas operations to SEMCO and electric operations to UPPCO. If approved by regulators, Xcel Energy's 6,000 natural gas customers will be served by SEMCO, and 9,000 electric customers will be served by UPPCO. Together, these customers in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties will transition to providers with deep local roots in the Upper Peninsula. All three companies are working closely with regulators, community stakeholders and employees to ensure customers are handled with care during the transition. The goal is simple: keep service reliable, make the transition smooth, and continue investing in the infrastructure that serves Upper Peninsula communities. For customers, service will continue without interruption during the transition. There will be no immediate changes to billing, rates or customer service processes and customers will be notified well in advance of any future changes taking place. SEMCO, UPPCO and Xcel Energy will work together on a detailed transition plan designed to make the change as seamless and transparent as possible. Communication will be timely and clear. Xcel Energy said the transaction is intended to place customers with utilities that are focused specifically on serving Michigan and the Upper Peninsula over the long term. "We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our customers and employees," said Karl Hoesly, president of Xcel Energy-Wisconsin and Michigan. "Xcel Energy continues to invest heavily in Wisconsin and across its other territories, so this transaction will ensure the customers of the Upper Peninsula will also benefit from focused investments by SEMCO and UPPCO, as both bring deep regional experience providing safe and reliable service and are well equipped to meet customers' long-term energy needs." "This transaction represents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen energy service for communities across the Upper Peninsula," said Marc Simone, president of SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company. "By welcoming new natural gas customers into the SEMCO system, we are reinforcing our commitment to safe, reliable and affordable service, while continuing to invest in the long-term resilience of Michigan's energy infrastructure." UPPCO said its long history in the region positions the company well to serve customers in the western Upper Peninsula. "As a neighboring utility with deep roots in the Upper Peninsula, UPPCO is proud to expand our service to Xcel Energy's electric customers in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties," said Gradon Haehnel, president and CEO of Upper Peninsula Power Company. "We understand this region, and we are committed to delivering safe, dependable service backed by local experience." The transition will happen gradually over time and only after required state and federal regulatory approvals are received. Customers do not need to take any action now and the companies will share updates as the regulatory process moves forward. The companies expect the transaction to close in 2027. Until then, customers should continue working with their current energy provider as they do today. Additional updates will be shared throughout the process. (0 Ratings)

Jeffco Public Schools launches six Electric School buses with Xcel Energy and Highland Electric Fleets. Sep 30, 2026, 09:00 ET New fleet includes bidirectional charging technology designed to explore additional benefits for the district, community, and electric grid LAKEWOOD, Colo., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Jefferson County Public Schools, Xcel Energy, and Highland Electric Fleets will celebrate the launch of six new electric school buses and six bidirectional chargers today with a ribbon-cutting event at the district's transportation facility in Lakewood. The six IC electric school buses will begin serving Jeffco students during the current school year, advancing the district's broader efforts to make student transportation more efficient, improve air quality around schools, and reduce emissions. Xcel Energy provided $3.4 million in funding through its Electric School Bus (ESB) Program to support the school district's transition to electric transportation. Through the program, the company is supporting the launch of 38 electric school buses and 30 bidirectional charging systems statewide. Highland is supporting the project through its Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) model, providing the electric buses, charging infrastructure and long-term services needed to operate the fleet. "Our partnership with Highland Electric Fleets and Xcel Energy marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to modern, sustainable student transportation," said Jeff Gatlin, Chief Operating Officer at Jeffco Public Schools. "These new electric buses will deliver cleaner air for our students and schools while giving us a hands-on look at how innovative energy solutions can benefit our entire Lakewood community." In addition to transporting students, the buses and charging infrastructure will serve as a demonstration of bidirectional charging technology. When connected and available, bidirectional-capable electric school buses have the potential to function as mobile energy assets, storing electricity in their batteries and returning it to the grid when needed. The project will provide real-world insights into how this technology can be integrated with fleet operations and the electric grid. "Electric school buses are creating new opportunities for schools to modernize their fleets while supporting Colorado's broader energy future," said Robert Kenney, president, Xcel Energy - Colorado. "Through our Electric School Bus Program, we're helping school districts like Jefferson County Public Schools invest in cleaner transportation today while gaining valuable experience with technologies that can strengthen and add flexibility to the grid in the years ahead." "Electric school buses can deliver meaningful benefits for students and the communities they serve," said Brian Buccella, Chief Commercial Officer, Highland Electric Fleets. "Replacing just five diesel buses with electric school buses can reduce pediatric asthma risk for 1,500 students, while bidirectional technology creates the potential for those same buses to serve as mobile energy assets when they aren't on the road. We're proud to work with Jeffco and Xcel Energy to bring these buses to the community and demonstrate the value they can provide on and off the road." The new fleet will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. at the district's transportation office, 809 Quail St. in Lakewood. Following the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to ride one of the district's new electric school buses. About Jeffco Public Schools Jeffco Public Schools (Jeffco) is a diverse and high-performing school district located in Jefferson County, Colorado. It is the state's second-largest school district, serving 75,000 students across 145 schools, and its 14,000 employees make it the largest employer in the county. The district's strategic plan, Jeffco Thrives, focuses on providing a world-class education that prepares all Jeffco students for bright and successful futures as local and global citizens. About Xcel Energy Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy. We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers' need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives. Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on X and Facebook. About Highland Electric Fleets Highland Electric Fleets is North America's leading provider of Electrification-as-a-Service. Founded in 2019, Highland partners with school districts, municipalities, and fleet operators to make the transition to electric fleets simple and affordable. Highland proudly serves as the Official Electric School Bus Provider of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA. From pioneering vehicle-to-grid technology to managing some of the nation's largest electric school bus fleets, Highland delivers reliable, cost-effective solutions that support local communities and drive the future of transportation. Learn more at www.highlandfleets.com. Media Contact SOURCE Highland Electric Fleets

Olsen Chain & Cable supplies bridge cranes for Xcel Energy facility. The delivery forms part of a larger project involving four R&M bridge cranes for the construction site. US-based overhead lifting manufacturer Olsen Chain & Cable has supplied a set of bridge cranes for Xcel Energy's new facility in Onalaska, Wisconsin. The delivery forms part of a larger project that includes four R&M Materials Handling bridge cranes for a construction site managed by Knutson Construction. Of the cranes supplied, two were custom-designed by Olsen Chain & Cable for material-handling applications and feature a two-person fall-arrest system. This includes a powered tagline winch that lowers the self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) to floor level, which is intended to help operators attach their harnesses before working at height. Olsen Chain & Cable described the integration of material handling and fall protection functions as "designed together into one purpose-built system." R&M Materials Handling said: "Great example of how a crane system can be designed around the needs of the application. Thanks for sharing this project and for the great work bringing these custom solutions together!" Founded in 1950, Olsen Chain & Cable provides overhead lifting equipment and related services for construction and manufacturing industries. Its operations include equipment rental, refurbishment, as well as OSHA inspection and consulting services. The company's product portfolio includes several industrial supplies, such as abrasives, chain and cable, fasteners, hand tools, and safety equipment. R&M Materials Handling, which supplied the core bridge crane components, has more than 85 years of experience in the hoist industry. Its distribution network covers a region ranging from Canada to Chile, and its products serve industries including automotive and mining. In October 2025, Olsen Chain & Cable completed the installation of a 5t overhead crane at a facility in Chanhassen, Minnesota, working alongside Knutson Construction on the project. The company designed, fabricated and installed an SGUR crane supplied by R&M Materials Handling. Give your business an edge with its Overhead Crane and Hoist