Xcel Energy has officially broken ground on a new state-of-the-art service center in St. Paul, aimed at enhancing its ability to provide reliable energy services to homes and businesses across the city. The facility, located at The Heights – a mixed-use development on the site of the former Hillcrest Golf Course on the city’s East Side – will be a critical hub for Xcel Energy’s field crews, dispatchers, and service operations.
The new 320,000-square-foot service center will be roughly twice the size of Xcel Energy’s existing Rice Street facility, which has served the St. Paul community for more than 100 years. Designed to meet the growing needs of the company, the new center will not only accommodate an expanding workforce but also integrate modern features to support Xcel’s clean energy goals.
A Modern and Sustainable Facility
Ryan Long, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, emphasized the company’s commitment to the St. Paul community. “As we outgrow our current space, this new, larger service center will enable us to continue providing safe and reliable service, while also positioning us for future operational success,” said Long.
The service center will incorporate a range of sustainable features, including energy-efficient construction and a solar panel array capable of generating 1 megawatt of renewable energy. Additionally, the facility will support electric vehicles with 23 charging stations, a crucial component as the company expands its electric fleet.
The Heights development itself is aiming to be one of the first net-zero communities in the United States, with plans for Platinum LEED for Communities certification. Xcel Energy’s new service center is designed to align with these ambitious sustainability standards, ensuring the company’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.
Serving the Community’s Energy Needs
The new service center will house critical infrastructure for maintaining the city’s electric and natural gas systems, allowing Xcel Energy crews to respond quickly to issues such as outages. It will also provide space for equipment, maintenance shops, and office operations.
Xcel Energy’s expansion plans come as part of an ongoing effort to modernize operations and improve service to customers. The 375 employees currently stationed at the Rice Street location will transition to the new facility, which is expected to become operational in late 2026 or early 2027.
Xcel Energy’s Ongoing Commitment to St. Paul
In addition to breaking ground on the service center, Xcel Energy recently supported the Habitat for Humanity Carter Work Project at The Heights, contributing to the development of affordable housing in the area. This project is part of a broader effort by Xcel to contribute to community development in St. Paul, with 30 new homes under construction as part of the redevelopment of the 112-acre site.
With its focus on sustainability, community development, and providing reliable energy services, Xcel Energy is poised to continue supporting the needs of St. Paul residents for years to come.
