Xcel Energy (XEL) Faces Community Pushback Over 780 MW AI Data Center Plan

What happened: Xcel Energy ($XEL) and Google announced the 780 MW Project Skyway data center plan, tying new grid investments to AI computing needs. Local residents and environmental groups are challenging the project over expected water use and ecological impact. Key numbers: 780 MW Project Skyway; market value about $51.2b; $89.44 fair value cited. Why it matters: The backlash tests whether Xcel can grow AI driven load without shifting infrastructure costs onto households, and heavy pushback could slow permits or change project sizing.

Xcel Energy ($XEL) and Google announced the 780 MW Project Skyway data center plan, tying new grid investments to AI computing needs. Local residents and environmental groups are challenging the project over expected water use and ecological impact.

The backlash tests whether Xcel can grow AI driven load without shifting infrastructure costs onto households, and heavy pushback could slow permits or change project sizing.