Minnesota has been a valuable experimenting area for wind energy, which has largely been a success. | GettyImages
Minnesota has been a valuable experimenting area for wind energy, which has largely been a success. | GettyImages
Xcel Energy has approved refunds for customers that voluntarily paid extra on their energy bill in order to support wind-powered energy, according to Energy News Network.
Wind energy prices have plummeted in recent months. The program, launched in 2003, has helped to subsidize wind power. The funds collected to support wind power will be sent back to the participants of that voluntary program.
The total number of these individuals is 70,000 account holders in Minnesota. Over the course of 17 years, the program has allowed customers to pay extra to subsidize wind power. On average, customers paid $9 extra per month.
In total, Xcel Energy has paid out nearly $6 million to participants with one more refund expected before the program ends next year. The program has largely been called a success, but the price of wind power dipping below the regulatory threshold has prompted the refunds. These terms were set up when the contracts were entered 17 years ago.
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