Xcel Energy’s new Saint Paul Service Center at The Heights marks a major milestone in both clean energy progress and local job creation. Breaking ground in November 2024 on a 20-acre site, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to support 375 jobs at opening, with room to grow to 500.
A MODERN HUB FOR A GROWING WORKFORCE
Xcel Energy’s Service Center is tailored to support the daily operations of electric and gas utility crews while also creating a productive and resilient environment for its employees.
FACILITY FEATURES:
- 339,000 SF of office, shops, vehicle storage, and warehouse space
- 30,500 SF feet maintenance building with wash bay and crew rooms
- Indoor/outdoor fleet vehicle parking and fueling station
- 350 rooftop employee parking stalls and 160+ dedicated fleet spaces
- Secure storage and laydown areas, collaborative training rooms, and break areas
- Public entry and efficient circulation designed for both workers and community integration
With collaborative workspaces, open office layouts, and a variety of meeting areas—including a training room for 100-plus, this facility is more than a service hub; it’s a center for innovation, teamwork, and workforce development.
A GREAT PLACE TO WORK AND A MODEL FOR SUSTAINABILITY
The new Service Center is designed to meet LEED Silver (v4.1) certification and Minnesota Energy Code (ASHRAE 90.1-2019), reflecting Xcel Energy’s commitment to environmental leadership, employee health, and operational excellence.
Key Sustainability Features
Energy Efficiency & Clean Power
- High-efficiency mechanical/electrical systems
- Rooftop solar (PV) arrays and geothermal wells
- Light-reflective interior finishes to reduce energy use
- Metering and advanced commissioning for continuous energy performance
Water & Resource Conservation
- Low-use indoor/outdoor water systems
- On-site stormwater infrastructure
- Metered water usage and efficient landscaping
Healthy Work Environments
- Low- and no-VOC materials and indoor air quality monitoring
- Indoor air quality and construction management plans
- Flexible open office design for adaptability and wellness
- Ample daylighting, bike storage, and access to nearby trails
Ecological Landscaping
- No traditional turf: bee-friendly lawns and prairie species instead
- 28 native tree species chosen for climate resilience
- Pollinator habitat integrated into green retaining walls
- Bird-friendly glass and green screen walls with flowering vines
Sustainable Construction
- Raw materials prioritized for recycled or bio-based content
- Comprehensive construction waste management plan
WHY THE HEIGHTS FOR XCEL ENERGY?
The Heights provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to align sustainability goals with economic development and workforce growth. For Xcel Energy, this location supports:
- A growing, local workforce in a modern and healthy facility
- Proximity to diverse neighborhoods and transit access
- The organization’s goal to reduce carbon 80% by 2030 and a path to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050
- Low-carbon construction, clean energy systems, and climate-resilient landscape
- Customer-first electrification strategies and net-zero methane service goals
Xcel Energy’s investment at The Heights proves that the future of clean energy is also about jobs, community, andquality of life.
