Nov. 25, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Xcel Energy.

Giving back to the community is a big part of Xcel Energy’s corporate culture, and it drives Sioux Falls Service Center employees to live that mission all year long.

Events and activities include everything from providing basic needs like housing, food and blankets to children and veterans to helping customers save energy with free LED light bulbs. Supporting economic development in our local communities is another focus realized through grants to community projects and through community outreach meetings with local government leaders.

“Supporting our communities is in the fabric of what we do at Xcel Energy, and our South Dakota employees are proof of that,” said Xcel Energy principal manager Steve Kolbeck.

“A majority of our employees have lived and worked their whole lives in South Dakota, which makes our efforts even more special to us. We have built a great culture here, and I am proud to be part of that.”

Community and economic development comes in many forms through partnerships with local businesses, community governments, nonprofits and residents.

Energizing the Future grants

This year, the Xcel Energy Foundation has provided $135,000 in Energizing the Future grants to 23 South Dakota nonprofits.

In the STEM Career Pathways area, 11 organizations received a total of $64,000. The grant will allow 38,000 students to receive hands-on STEM learning, including 17,000 female learners. Separately, a local Girl Scout troop toured Xcel Energy’s Angus Anson Generating Plant for a bit of STEM learning.

For Environmental Sustainability, two organizations received a total of $10,000. The grant supports training 30 new beekeepers and offering 20 water quality educational sessions.

To boost Community Vitality, 10 organizations received a total of $61,000 to help 100 people gain employment, generating $2.8 million in wages.

Economic development grants

Three local communities each received a $5,000 economic development grant.

Canova used its grant to help convert the former River’s Edge Bank to the new Champs Restaurant.

Emery’s grant helped restore a baseball park damaged by a derecho. Fulton used the grant to add shade equipment to the town’s park.

Supporting nonprofits and people in need

Xcel Energy Sioux Falls Service Center employees are passionate about volunteering all year long for local nonprofits, particularly those that help people in need.

• A group of Xcel Energy employees served breakfast to people in need at The Banquet during National Volunteer Month in April.
• Xcel Energy employees contribute to the local United Way.
• In December, employees made blankets for Project Warm Up.
• Employees assembled 80 snack packs for two nonprofits: Lutheran Social Services and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire.
• Xcel Energy employees volunteered at the Veterans Community Project on the company’s annual Day of Service in September in addition to providing a foundation grant.
• In 2024, the Xcel Energy Sioux Falls Service Center hosted two blood drives.
• Xcel Energy employees provided pro bono technical assistance for Boys & Girls Clubs to help retain and increase membership.
• Xcel Energy employees selected three nonprofits to receive a $1,000 charitable contribution: Union Gospel Mission, St. Francis House and Helpline Center.

Community outreach meetings

Xcel Energy leaders host community outreach meetings where community leaders, emergency managers and county commissioners learn more about the company’s economic development efforts, community giving and engagement, energy efficiency, design and construction projects and storm response efforts.

Business appreciation events

The Home Builders Association Appreciation Lunch thanks local builders for helping grow the community. Another lunch recognizes the economic contributions of local farmers on Agriculture Appreciation Day at the Sioux Empire Fair.

Supporting our national community

As part of the Edison Electric Institute’s Mutual Assistance Program, electric companies from around the country send workers to assist in restoring power after a natural disaster. In September, Xcel Energy sent vehicles, equipment and more than 100 line workers, safety consultants, fleet mechanics and operations leaders to Georgia and Florida to restore power in areas devasted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Energy efficiency

Xcel Energy helps educate the community about energy conservation with games, displays and free LED light bulbs at the Sioux Empire Home Show and the Sidewalk Arts Festival.

The company also participates in the annual EV Expo, where community members can see and ask questions about buying, home charging and maintaining an electric vehicle.

This year, Xcel Energy began installing smart meters for South Dakota customers. These meters allow customers to monitor their energy use and identify opportunities to save.

Inspired to give?

Xcel Energy also offers multiple ways for you to give back.

• Give the gift of power

Looking for the perfect gift for parents, grandparents, kids living away from home or neighbors? Xcel Energy offers gift certificates ranging from $20 to $500.

They’re great for anyone who would appreciate a bit of extra comfort — perfect for housewarmings, weddings, new baby gifts or stocking stuffers. Personalize your gift with a message of up to 100 characters, or if you choose, your gift certificate can be sent anonymously.

• Help others with heating

HeatShare is a voluntary program administered by The Salvation Army. It helps those in need survive long winters by providing funds for heating bills and heating-related repairs.

Click here to learn more.