Save Our Sherco: Sherco generation hits an 11-year high in July 2022

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that the Sherburne County Generating Station, commonly referred to as Sherco, generated 1.4 million megawatt hours (MWhs) of electricity in July 2022, making it the highest month for electricity generation since January of 2011.

This means the 2,238 megawatt (MW) Sherco plant ran at 87 percent of its potential output when electricity demand surged as Minnesotans turned up their air conditioning units to escape the summer heat.

In contrast, Minnesota’s fleet of wind turbines did a disappearing act. According to the U.S. Office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Minnesota had a total installed wind capacity of 4,578 MW at the end of Quarter 2, 2022. However, EIA data show this wind capacity produced just 832,000 MWhs or just 25 percent of its potential output.

The fact that Sherco produced more electricity in July than in any month since 2011 clearly indicates that the plant is still capable of producing massive quantities of reliable, affordable energy, which is why it makes no sense that Xcel Energy is planning to shut down Sherco Unit 2 (680 MW) next year.

If you think Xcel Energy should Save Our Sherco to keep our electric grid reliable and affordable, sign our petition at www.saveoursherco.com. You can also get a Save Our Sherco yard sign to help raise awareness in your neighborhood.