North Dakota Customers Help Pay For Xcel Energy Jets

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Xcel Energy says its North Dakota

customers help pay for the company's two leased private jets, even

though they're rarely used to fly utility employees to the state.

North Dakota's Public Service Commission recently asked Xcel

Energy about its use of corporate planes, in response to reports

that the eight-passenger Learjets get frequent use shuttling

employees between Minneapolis and Denver.

This year, Xcel says North Dakota electric and gas customers

have paid $123,541 of the company's $5.22 million aviation budget -

or about 2.4 percent. But the utility says it hasn't used the

planes to fly anyone to North Dakota this year.

Last year, Xcel's corporate jets flew six trips in and out of

North Dakota. In the seven other states it serves, the jets

recorded almost 4,200 travel legs.

Public Service Commission Chairman Kevin Cramer says the flights

have a minimal effect on utility bills, but he says they send a

poor message about how careful the company is with ratepayers'

money.

Tags: xcel energy, jets, news, daily updates