How That's Renewable Energy Mandate Working Out?

Xcel Energy requests rate increase to support investment in carbon-free energy: Co asked the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to authorize increases in base electricity rates over a two-year period. The company proposes prices for a two-year period, during which investments in carbon-free energy sources, a diverse supply mix and service reliability improvements are at their peak. Average customer rates would increase by 4.6% effective Jan. 3, 2014, when interim rates would take effect.

So, Minnesotans can expect to pay about 5% more in utility costs cut back on carbon emissions. Meanwhile, in other news, China just announced the completion of another coal-fired power plant. The country has several hundred coal-fired power plants on the drawing board and in various stages of construction/completion.