The Sconi

Xcel Energy's outgoing CEO recently expressed pride in the Minneapolis-based utility's recognition as a nationwide clean energy leader, news that also caught Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers' eye.

Ben Fowke, whose last day as Xcel CEO and chairman was Aug. 16, described in a company news release the growth he has seen in renewable energy and its significance to the utility.

“The nation has seen tremendous growth on the wind and solar front, and we’re proud to be leading the charge in providing our customers with clean energy,” Fowke said in a Wednesday, Aug. 11, news release. "This is a time of significant change for our company and industry as we embrace renewables and other technologies that provide value to our customers, communities and the environment."

Ben Fowke | Xcelenergy.com

Fowke's retirement was announced this past May by Xcel, the utility company that serves millions of customers in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest. Fowke will continue as executive director of the Energy Board of Directors. He will be succeeded by Xcel President and Chief Operating Officer Bob Frenzel.

In its more recent news release, Xcel announced it had been recognized by the American Clean Power Association (ACP) as the nation's largest clean energy provider in wind, solar and battery storage. Xcel's news release referred to ACP's annual report for 2020 in which the association ranked investor-owned utilities, based how much clean power their systems had online by the end of last year.

"Xcel Energy came out on top," the news release said.

Xcel's rankings is great news that feeds into the state's future, Evers said in his Twitter post on Saturday, Aug. 14.

"Great to see that Xcel Energy is leading the charge when it comes to clean energy in our country," Evers said in his Twitter post. "Expanding sustainable, clean energy is key for our state's future economy and environment."

Xcel serves more than 3.7 million electric customers and 2.1 million natural gas customers in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico. Xcel has multiple clean energy movements and strategies, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.