XEL

Xcel Energy Inc

Xcel Energy is a holding company, with subsidiaries engaged primarily in the utility business. In 2009, Xcel Energy's continuing operations included the activity of four wholly owned utility subsidiaries that serve electric and natural gas customers in eight states. These utility subsidiaries are NSP-Minnesota, NSP-Wisconsin, PSCo and SPS. These utilities serve customers in portions of Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. Along with WYCO, a joint venture formed with Colorado Interstate Gas Company (CIG) to develop and lease natural gas pipeline, storage, and compression facilities, and WGI, an interstate natural gas pipeline company, these companies comprise the continuing regulated utility operations.

Xcel Energy was incorporated under the laws of Minnesota in 1909. Xcel Energy's executive offices are located at 414 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minn. 55401. Its website address is www.xcelenergy.com. Xcel Energy makes available, free of charge through its website, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. In addition, the Xcel Energy guidelines on Corporate Governance and Code of Conduct are also available on its website.

Environmental leadership is a core strategic priority for Xcel Energy. Our environmental leadership strategy is designed to meet customer and policy maker expectations while creating shareholder value. We have established a highly effective environmental compliance program and have produced an excellent compliance record. Moreover, we pursue environmental policy initiatives that promote our environmental leadership and provide growth opportunities. Among other things, Xcel Energy is a national leader in voluntary emission reduction programs, the nation's largest retail utility wind energy provider and a leader in innovative technology, energy efficiency and conservation and customer-driven renewable energy programs. Xcel Energy is implementing resource plans in Colorado and Minnesota that are designed to result in a significant reduction in GHG emissions, while meeting growing customer demand at a reasonable price. Through our environmental leadership strategy, we are well-positioned to meet the challenges of potential future climate change regulation, comply with renewable energy mandates and take advantage of clean energy incentives created by policy makers in the states in which we operate.

EMPLOYEES

The number of full-time Xcel Energy employees at Dec. 31, 2009 and 2008, is presented in the table below. Of the full-time employees listed below, 5,665, or 50 percent, and 5,645, or 50 percent, respectively, are covered under collective bargaining agreements.