Xcel Energy Issues Additional Common Stock in over-Allotment Exercise

Xcel Energy today issued an additional 2,250,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the underwriters’ exercise in full of their over-allotment option. The over-allotment option was exercised in connection with the Company’s recently completed registered public offering of 15,000,000 shares of common stock sold on September 15, 2008. The additional shares were sold to the underwriters on the same terms as the initial 15,000,000 shares. Morgan Stanley and Citi acted as joint bookrunning managers for the offering.

The net proceeds of the of the over-allotment exercise are expected to be used to repay commercial paper.

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any jurisdiction. The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus and related prospectus supplement. A prospectus supplement related to the offering has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of the prospectus and prospectus supplement relating to the offering may be obtained from the offices of Morgan Stanley at 180 Varick Street, Second Floor, New York, New York 10014, Attention: Prospectus Department or by telephone to (212) 761-6775. or from the offices of Citi, at Brooklyn Army Terminal, 140 58th Street, 8th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by telephone to (800) 831-9146.

Xcel Energy is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.3 million electricity customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis.