Xcel Energy Pollinator-Friendly Requirements

In 2018, Xcel Energy in Minnesota became the first utility in the U.S. to require developers that submit bids to build new solar facilities under competitive solicitations to disclose the proposed solar facilities’ pollinator plan. Specifically, Xcel is requiring all developers provide a completed copy of the state-developed pollinator habitat scorecard as part of a bid. Although attaining the pollinator-friendly designation under the scorecard is not required, the utility’s decision to adopt the new requirement that the information be included when responding to future RFPs ensures pollinator habitat is factored into decision-making about future solar development and sends a signal to developers.