Joining guest host Chris Larson in the second hour of today's program are:
Mark Nisbet, Principal Manager for Xcel Energy in North Dakota, and Bria Shea, the Director of Regulatory Policy and Strategy for Excel Energy, join the show to talk about Xcel Energy's 2020 proposed 15-year business plan. The 15-year business plan includes, but is not limited to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by the year 2050. Shea explains that the goal will need to incorporate new technology that has not yet been built. In addition, Xcel Energy plans to close all of their coal units in the Upper Midwest a decade ahead of schedule. This would ensure reliable, affordable energy by extending the use of nuclear energy at Xcel's Monticello plant, using cleaner natural gas, and increasing wind and solar energy, according to the report.
Public Service Commissioner Brian Kroshus joins the show to recap the projects the Public Service Commission had a part in during the 2019 year and looks forward to what's planned in 2020. Among the projects the Public Service Commission did in 2020 was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, related to rate reduction and refunds; the Dakota Access Pipeline and other liquids running through pipelines, wind farm decommissioning projects, natural gas plant expansions, the rail inspection program, 811 law, work with the mining community and rate-related work to ensure North Dakota continues to hold the number one position in the country in terms of providing reliable and affordable electricity to homes and businesses across the state. The Public Service Commission's role as they move into 2020 is to ensure industry continues to meet requirements set forth in statute. Economic development is critical to experiencing long-term success in North Dakota, but it has to be done right.
Scott had a chance to catch up with a Process Engineer at Dakota Spirit/Midwest Ag Energy. Brian Markegaard tells us what a process engineer does.
Michael Filloon wraps up the show talking oil prices and other details about the oil industry.