The company expects to extend the life of its two nuclear plants, build a gas plant and develop vast amounts of wind, solar and battery power.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Xcel Energy have settled on an energy plan aimed at lowering monthly bills for Minnesotans and protecting the environment.

Minnesota utility regulators on Thursday approved an 8.17% rate increase for Xcel Energy’s natural gas customers — the equivalent of $4.20 per month for an average household. The 8.17% rate is an average for all of Xcel’s customers.