Xcel Energy Announces New Upper Midwest Leader

Xcel Energy today named Christopher Clark to a top leadership position in the company’s Upper Midwest region. Clark will become president of Northern States Power Co.-Minnesota on Jan. 1, upon the retirement of David Sparby.

“The energy business is becoming increasingly complex as we continue our drive to provide cleaner energy while managing customer costs and meeting investor expectations,” said Ben Fowke, chairman, president and CEO of Xcel Energy. “Chris’s strengths in aligning the diverse interests of our stakeholders to meet common objectives will be valuable as we work to provide the energy services our customers want and value.”

Clark currently is regional vice president of rates and regulatory affairs, overseeing rate and resource planning filings made with state regulatory commissions in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. He has held increasingly responsible roles during his 15-year tenure with the company, beginning as legal counsel in 1999. Prior to joining Xcel Energy, Clark was a regulatory attorney at Alliant Energy.

“Chris brings a wealth of experience to the position and is well known to our stakeholders,” Fowke continued. “I am confident that he will build on the strong foundation Dave established.”

NSP-Minnesota, one of Xcel Energy’s four operating companies, provides electricity service to approximately 1.4 million customers and natural gas service to 400,000 customers in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. It accounts for approximately 40 percent of Xcel Energy’s revenue and holds a well-diversified mix of energy resources, including wind and nuclear.

Notably, NSP-Minnesota is on track to reduce carbon by more than 30 percent by 2020, offers a wide array of industry-leading energy efficiency programs and provides electricity and natural gas service at competitive and affordable prices.

Clark’s appointment is the second in recent weeks, following Sparby’s announced retirement. Late last month, Fowke appointed Marvin McDaniel executive vice president, group president-utilities, a role Sparby also held. Clark will report to McDaniel.

Clark obtained his law degree from Drake University and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa. He serves on the board of directors of the nonprofit organization People Serving People.

Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.5 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis.