Xcel Excelling in Recycling Service - Analyst Blog

Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL) received a contract extension from Appliance Recycling Centers of America Inc. (ARCI) to provide refrigerator recycling services for the Xcel's residential electric customers in Colorado, Minnesota and New Mexico. The contract has been extended through December 31, 2011.

Under its energy efficiency program, Xcel Energy has now offered a $50 incentive for its residential electric customers in Colorado and New Mexico.  Also, Xcel Energy offers to pay an incentive of $35 to its eligible Minnesota customers under the same program. The customers who opt to retire their old, operating secondary refrigerator will receive an incentive check from Xcel Energy.

The incentive, which will be paid by Xcel Energy, is designed to offset the costs normally incurred while disposing of an old, secondary refrigerator, as well as the costs associated with running an inefficient secondary refrigerator.

The extension of the program into 2011 provides an opportunity for both, Xcel Energy and Appliance Recycling Centers of America, to continue to help reduce residential electricity demand, lower customers' energy bills and provide public environmental benefits in Colorado, Minnesota and New Mexico.

Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Xcel Energy is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company, with operations in 8 Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy's operating utilities are engaged in generation, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the United States. These utilities generate electricity using coal, nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar energy.

Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Appliance Recycling Centers of America is one of the nation's largest recyclers of major household appliances for the energy conservation programs of electric utilities. It is an innovative company dedicated to preserving the environment through energy efficiency and proper appliance disposal. The company currently provides services for 150 utility programs in the U.S. and Canada.