Xcel Energy has accelerated its energy engine into utility markets across the US. The utility holding company distributes electricity to 3.4 million customers and natural gas to 1.9 million in eight states; Colorado and Minnesota account for the majority of its customers. Its regulated utilities -- Northern States Power, Public Service Company of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service -- have more than 20,500 MW of primarily fossil-fueled generating capacity. Xcel also has 35,200 miles of natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines. Pushing green energy sources, in 2008 Xcel announced that it would develop solar-generated power plants in Colorado as part of its green energy initiative.

Global Energy is generating power outside of the box. The alternative energy company creates clean energy solutions using gasification technologies. Gasification and IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) facilities convert carbon fuel sources (including coal, petroleum coke (petcoke), and renewables) into environmentally cleaner energy sources like synthetic gas (SG) and synthetic natural gas (SNG). Through subsidiary Wabash River Energy, Global Energy owns and operates the Wabash River Plant (Indiana), one of only two IGCC facilities in the US. It also owns the Westfield Plant (Fife, Scotland) and is constructing a 540-MW IGCC facility in Lima, Ohio, expected to be operational by 2010.

Volunteer Energy Cooperative is voluntarily cooperating with its members to serve their energy needs. The distribution utility serves more than 108,000 customers (who also own the cooperative) in 17 central and eastern Tennessee counties. It operates more than 8,400 miles of power lines. Volunteer Energy purchases its power supply from the Tennessee Valley Authority. The company also sells propane and provides telecommunications (Internet access and long-distance phone) services. In addition, Volunteer Energy offers its customer surge protection and security equipment.

Catalytic Combustion Corporation clears the air -- literally and alliteratively. The company makes systems, processes, and products to help customers eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants in order to meet air-quality standards. Catalytic Combustion's catalysts -- substances that accelerate the rate of chemical reactions -- are used in a host of industries and products, ranging from appliances to graphic arts to nuclear power plants. The company makes catalysts from materials such as ceramics, metal foil, and wire mesh. Catalytic Combustion was founded in 1950.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which supplies power to a population of 44 million customers in Tokyo, Yokohama, and the rest of the Kanto region. One of the world's largest electric utilities, TEPCO's 190 power plants have the generating capacity of approximately 64,000 MW, primarily produced by thermal, nuclear, and hydroelectric power sources. Through interests in telecom businesses, the company offers telephony and Internet services; it also has international consulting and power generation operations. Other businesses include construction, real estate, and transportation companies. It also invests in independent power producers in other countries.

ATCO operates worldwide in utilities, power generation, and related services. Majority-owned Canadian Utilities oversees most of the group's energy businesses, including ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas (transmission and distribution) and ATCO Power (generation). Other holdings include gas gatherer and processor ATCO Midstream, and gas transporter ATCO Pipelines. ATCO I-Tek provides IT, billing, and customer care services. ATCO Structures & Logistics manufactures modular buildings and provides logistical and noise abatement services. Utilities ATCO Electric (with nearly 207,000 customers) and ATCO Gas (with more than 1 million customers) account for the largest slice of ATCO's revenues.

Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) provides water utility services in both northern and southern England. The company's primary subsidiary, Northumbrian Water Limited, provides water and wastewater services to 2.6 million people in North East England under the Northumbrian Water brand; it provides water to 1.8 million people in South East England, where it operates as Essex and Suffolk Water. NWG also controls a number of special purpose companies with contracts in Scotland, Ireland, and Gibraltar. The company's SA Agrer NV unit conducts project work in developing countries, The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan controls 26% of the company.

Portland General Electric (PGE) keeps many Birkenstock-shod feet warm: The company, formerly a subsidiary of Enron, generates, purchases, and distributes electricity to about 815,750 customers in Oregon. PGE's service territory covers 52 cities, including Portland and Salem. Its hydroelectric, coal-fired, and gas-fired plants had a generating capacity of more than 2,600 MW in 2009, and it purchased another 1,920 MW of generating capacity. PGE also markets wholesale electricity and natural gas to other utilities and marketers in the western US. In keeping with the "green" image of Portland residents, PGE leads the nation in residential customers who purchase power from renewable sources.

Lafayette Utilities System has a long and proud history of serving the people of Lafayette. We are your next door neighbors and we care about the same things you do: reasonable utility rates and reliable, quality services that can protect our families and make our community better. LUS offers its customers quality electric, water and wastewater services. Because LUS is customer-owned and operated, its customers have the power to set rates and control the standard of service. We are always working to better LUS and Lafayette.

Horizon Wind Energy owns and operates more than 20 onshore wind farms across nine states that have a generating capacity of 2,800 MW. It has another 20,000 MW of wind projects in various stages of development around the country. Horizon sells its electricity wholesale as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to utility companies such as AmerenUE, Direct Energy, Great River, and the TVA. It has also developed and sold seven farms to Entergy, Florida Power & Light, and Puget Energy.

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