Xcel Energy names new chief nuclear officer

Xcel Energy has promoted Pete Gardner to serve as its chief nuclear officer.

Gardner replaces Tim O’Connor, who has held the role since 2013, effective immediately. O’Connor has been promoted to chief generating officer at the company. He will start in the position on March 31

Gardner joined Xcel Energy in 2013. He has worked at the Minneapolis-based company as vice president of nuclear operations since 2017.

“Pete has played an integral role in elevating the performance of our nuclear fleet to the best in the country,” O’Connor said. “Not only have we reduced operations and maintenance costs by 25% in just four years, but both Monticello and Prairie Island have earned the highest ratings from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations.”

Xcel Energy’s nuclear fleet has helped the company cut carbon emissions by 10 percent in 2019. It was the largest single-year drop in emissions that Xcel has had. The nuclear plants provide about 30 percent of the power the company supplies to its customers.

Chris Church will replace Gardner as vice president of corporate nuclear operations at Xcel Energy. Church begins in his new role on March 16. Also, Tom Conboy replaces Church as vice president at the company’s Monticello nuclear facility.