Integrated Planning Intern - MN

Xcel Energy•Minneapolis, MN

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Gas and Electric Distribution Planning team is responsible for developing forward-looking strategies that ensure safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy delivery to customers. The team works at the intersection of electric distribution planning, natural gas planning, regulatory strategy, distributed energy resources, decarbonization, system forecasting, and utility innovation. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain exposure to both electric and natural gas utility planning while contributing to projects that directly influence infrastructure investments, customer programs, and clean energy strategies. This position is for a May 24, 2027 start date. This position may have the possibility to extend beyond the internship’s initial term based on the candidate’s successful performance and Xcel Energy’s business needs.

Requirements

Current student, Sophomore or higher
Enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Civil/Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Public Policy, Energy Systems, Data Analytics, Finance, related technical or analytical field
Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week)/ part time during the school year (up to 20 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in-person, per our hybrid work policy.

Nice To Haves

Interest in energy systems, utility planning, sustainability, or infrastructure planning.
Coursework in: Power systems, Energy economics, Utility regulation, Forecasting, Statistics, Data science, Geographic Information Systems (GIS),
Experience with data analysis tools such as: Power BI; Tableau; Python; R; SQL
Familiarity with electric utility, natural gas utility, or energy industry concepts.
Curiosity and interest in solving complex energy challenges related to reliability, affordability, and decarbonization.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Support a variety of analytical, strategic, and technical projects related to distribution system planning and utility resource planning.
Work alongside experienced planners, engineers, and data analysts to evaluate future energy needs, assess emerging technologies, develop planning assumptions, and support regulatory filings and strategic initiatives.
Gain hands-on experience working with utility data, forecasting methodologies, energy system planning concepts, and decarbonization strategies.
Analysis of distributed energy resources, electrification trends, natural gas innovation opportunities, load growth, infrastructure investment planning, and customer-focused solutions.