Jobs and People

Xcel Energy names O’Connor chief generating officer

Tags
Xcel Energy names O’Connor chief generating officer

Tim O’Connor will become chief generating officer of Xcel Energy effective March 31. 
 
O’Connor currently is the utility’s senior vice president and chief nuclear officer, and Pete Gardner replaces him in that role. Gardner formerly was vice president of nuclear operations, since 2017.

O’Connor joined Xcel Energy in 2007 as site vice president at the Monticello nuclear plant. In June 2012, he was appointed vice president of corporate engineering/nuclear regulatory compliance and licensing for the nuclear fleet.

Xcel Energy provides electricity in eight states (Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin) from a mix of biomass, hydroelectric, nuclear, wind and solar facilities, along with coal and natural gas. Nearly 40% of the electricity Xcel Energy produced in 2018 came from carbon-free sources. The company’s total generating capacity exceeds 18,000 MW, and its hydro portfolio is 26 plants with a capacity of 610 MW.

The company is one of two host utilities for HYDROVISION International 2020.

Before joining Xcel Energy, O’Connor worked for Constellation Energy, Public Service Enterprise Group, Exelon and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations.

He has a degree in mechanical engineering from Marquette University.