Xcel to buy electricity from new Calpine plant in Mankato

The agreement, which is subject to approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, was awarded to Calpine following a power supply bidding process initiated by Xcel Energy in late 2001. Under the contract, Calpine will build, own and operate a new electric power plant to be located in Mankato, Minnesota.

"Our new agreement builds on the success we have had helping Xcel Energy meet its energy needs in Colorado, and continues Calpine's strategy of placing the output of our generating assets under long-term contract," said Calpine vice president Jim Shield. "We realize Xcel Energy chose Calpine from among a range of competing alternatives and we appreciate their continued confidence in our ability to be a low-cost and reliable provider of electric power products and services."

In Colorado, Calpine currently supplies 300 megawatts of power to Xcel Energy from the Blue Spruce Energy Center and will supply 600 megawatts of power from the Rocky Mountain Energy Center. Both contracts are for terms of ten years.

Said David Eves, Xcel Energy's vice president for resource planning and acquisition, "Calpine's proposed plant is a good fit with other projects in the generation portfolio that resulted from Xcel Energy's solicitation of proposals to meet the growing energy needs of our 1.5 million electricity customers in Minnesota and neighboring states."

The Minnesota contract includes a requirement for 280 megawatts of intermediate power plus an additional 85 megawatts of peaking capability, for service beginning in 2006. The new 365-megawatt Mankato Power Plant will include a combined-cycle design with integrated peaking capability, ensuring that it will be a cost-effective, flexible and reliable supply resource for Xcel Energy and its customers throughout the 20-year term of the agreement. Calpine expects to utilize project financing for the majority of the capital costs.

Most of Calpine's equity in the project will be through the use of a natural gas combustion turbine and steam turbine from its existing inventory.

Xcel Energy is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company, with regulated operations in 11 Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.3 million electricity customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. In terms of customers, it is the fourth-largest combination natural gas and electricity company in the nation. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis. More information is available at www.xcelenergy.com.