Xcel Energy Inc. and NRG Energy Inc. recently reported carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions of more than 50% from baseline levels and unveiled new goals centered on electric vehicles as the utilities continue to search for ways to lower their emissions footprints.

In its 16th annual sustainability report, Xcel reported a 51% CO2 reduction from electricity it sends to customers, putting it on track to achieve an 80% reduction by 2030, followed by a 100% carbon-free grid by 2050. 

The utility, which serves 3.7 million electricity customers and 2.1 million natural gas customers in eight Midwestern states, has also developed a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its natural gas business with an ongoing investment of $1.4 billion into system upgrades that it says would...