2008-09-10 23:59:03 -

www.xcelenergy.com - Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) subsidiary Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation (NSPW) today announced it has sold $200 million of its 30-year first mortgage bonds with an annual interest rate of 6.375 percent. The bonds are redeemable at any time subject to certain "make whole" provisions.

Proceeds from the sale of the first mortgage bonds will

be added to NSPW's general funds and a portion will be applied to fund the payment at maturity of $80 million of 7.64% Senior Notes due October 1, 2008 and the repayment of short-term debt. The balance of the net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes that may include the refinancing of higher-interest rate long-term debt and general working capital.

Banc of America Securities LLC and BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC acted as joint book runners for the offering. KeyBanc Capital Markets was the co-manager for the offering.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the bonds nor shall there be any sale of the bonds in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. The offering of the bonds may be made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus for the offering may be obtained on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, you may request copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus by calling Banc of America, LLC toll free at 1-800-294-1322 or by calling BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC toll free at 1-800-269-6864.

Xcel Energy
Financial analysts may call:
Paul Johnson, 612-215-4535
Managing Director, Investor Relations
or
Jack Nielsen, 612-215-4559
Director, Investor Relations
or
News media may call:
Xcel Energy Media Relations, 612-215-5300