2017 Proxy Statement
Proxy Summary
How to VoteIf you held shares of Xcel Energy common stock as of the record date (March 21, 2017), you are entitled to vote at the annual meeting.
Corporate GovernanceOur proven track record of delivering solid financial and operational results is rooted in a foundation of sound corporate governance and a culture of compliance. 
Our Board is composed of the right skill mix and has a healthy succession cadence.
9Years Average Tenure92%Are Independent33%Are Female and/or Minority92%Have C-suite Experience58%Have Environmental Experience
“Best Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure” for disclosure of environmental risk factors, employee
and consumer safety and corporate sustainability, as well as the role the company plays in the community
(2016 Corporate Secretary's Corporate Governance Awards).
Operational PerformanceWe deliver outstanding results in safety, storm restoration, carbon reduction and customer value, positioning us as an industry leader. Our "steel for fuel" growth strategy offers customers more clean energy while maintaining or reducing bills, reducing our carbon footprint, and creating growth for our business and shareholders. Safe, Reliable Service
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| 2015-2016 | 2005-2016 (CAGR) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ongoing EPS Growth3 |  |
5.7% | 6.1% | Met or exceeded ongoing EPS guidance for 12 consecutive years |
| Dividend Growth | |
6.3% | 4.3% | Increased dividend for 13 consecutive years |
| Stock Price | |
13.3% | 7.5% | CAGR reflects YE 2005 to YE 2016 |
1EEI index is market capitalization-weighted, comprised of 44 companies for the one-year period, and 43 for the three- and
five-year periods.
2We believe one-year results reflect end-of-year uncertainty and volatility in the utility industry, given election results and interest rate changes.
3Ongoing EPS is a non-GAAP number and is defined in Exhibit A, which reconciles this amount to GAAP EPS for each period.
2We believe one-year results reflect end-of-year uncertainty and volatility in the utility industry, given election results and interest rate changes.
3Ongoing EPS is a non-GAAP number and is defined in Exhibit A, which reconciles this amount to GAAP EPS for each period.
Recognized among Fortune Magazine's “Most Admired Utilities,” with quality of products/services, quality of management and long-term investment value among our highest-rated
attributes.
Responsible by Nature
We drive prosperity into our communities through economic development, community involvement and investments. Our collaborative approach and commitment to the environment help advance state, city and customer clean energy goals.
Economic Development 
- Nearly 70% of normal goods and services spend — more than $2 billion — went to local businesses
- Played a leadership role in helping other Minnesota-based companies integrate local/diverse suppliers into their sourcing
- Active membership/sponsorship in nearly 200 chambers of commerce
Community Engagement 
- Approximately 50,000 hours of volunteer service donated by our employees
- Nearly $6 million pledged through our United Way campaign, with $3 million in employee donations and more than $2.5 million matched by the Xcel Energy Foundation
- $3.9 million in grants awarded through the Xcel Energy Foundation to nonprofit organizations in STEM education, economic sustainability, environmental stewardship, and access to arts and culture
Diversity & Veteran Hiring 
- More than doubled spend with diverse suppliers since 2007
- Brought more than 150 women-owned and minority-owned businesses together to identify potential bid opportunities
- Exceeded our target veteran hiring rate of 10%, attaining 14% by year end
- Honored with the Pro Patria award through the Department of Defense for support of Guard and Reserve employees
Clean Energy Leadership 
- Recognized by the White House, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency for leadership and innovation with the Minneapolis Clean Energy Partnership
- Converted more than 50,000 street lights to high efficiency LED lighting in 2016, with plans to complete 275,000 more, ultimately saving over 160 gigawatt hours annually
- Distributed more than a half-million LED lightbulbs through sponsorships and events, an estimated savings of nearly 20 gigawatt hours annually
- Poised to offer wind and solar energy directly to customers via innovative new product offerings
Recognized as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine's “100 Best Corporate Citizens” for
performance related to the environment, employee relations, corporate governance, financial
results, and community support.
Results-Driven Compensation
Our compensation programs are performance-based and market competitive, aligning incentive opportunities with the performance expected of us by our shareholders and customers.
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Performance-based |
- Majority of compensation is at risk, and pay is aligned with performance
- Motivates achievement of financial, operational and stock price performance goals
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Market Competitive |
- Enables us to attract and retain talented leaders
- Compares us to a 21-member industry peer group
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Equity-based Incentive |
- Focuses on long-term shareholder value
- Aligns executive interests with those of shareholders and rewards for strategic success
Annual Incentive Pay
(Financial performance can influence award funding and payout)
Long-term Incentive Pay
Notable
Accomplishments
- Operating and maintenance expenses held flat for the past two years
- Increased focus on customer loyalty metrics
- 2nd best year ever in 2016 for employee safety based on number of OSHA recordable injuries
- Reduced carbon emissions by 30% since 2005
Recognized by Military Times again in 2016 as one of the 75 best employers for veterans
based on company culture and policies.
