Fresh Energy backs Xcel’s 200 MW battery Capacity Connect

Fresh Energy has filed comments supporting Xcel Energy’s proposed CapacityConnect (CC) battery storage program at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

• Program details: Xcel’s CC program, emerging from its 2024 Integrated Resource Plan, would deploy up to 200 megawatts of utility-owned, distribution-connected battery storage in partnership with Sparkfund, enabling Xcel to directly control batteries as distributed energy resources to provide grid capacity and avoid new *fossil fuel infrastructure investments.
• Equity and regulatory process: Fresh Energy urges the Commission to require equitable implementation, including a target that 40% of program benefits go to designated environmental justice communities with specific siting targets to address reliability disparities; the Commission will take further stakeholder comments and hold a hearing early next year on Docket #25-378.