10 November 2006 -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission gave Xcel Energy permission to operate its 600 MW Monticello nuclear power plant for 20 years past its original license expiration in 2010. The plant now is cleared to stay in business until Sept. 8, 2030.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission earlier had approved Xcel's waste storage plan, which would allow the plant to operate another 24 years. The Monticello plant becomes the 47th commercial nuclear reactor to receive an NRC license extension. The Monticello license-renewal process cost the company $17 million.