The Christian Employers Alliance (CEA) has called for a federal investigation into Xcel Energy, citing alleged misuse of public resources and breach of ratepayer trust.
According to recent reports, Xcel Energy has invested billions in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-related projects, including renewable infrastructure tied to political objectives. This investment comes amid delays in key safety repairs and the acquisition of private land from Colorado ranching families. CEA leadership has linked accountability for these actions to principles of stewardship and governance. They have expressed concerns that events like the 2024 Smokehouse Creek fire could have been avoided with stronger infrastructure investment. Reported issues include allocating 30% of executive pay to ESG goals, spending over $3 billion on transmission lines while neglecting older systems, and directing wildfire mitigation funds toward projects associated with United Nations and racial equity initiatives, according to a press release by CEA.
"Xcel Energy has transformed into a political actor, using its monopoly power to promote ideologically driven programs at the expense of reliability, affordability, and public safety," said CEA President Margaret Iuculano. "This is not just bad business — it’s a betrayal of public trust."
The Christian Employers Alliance introduced the FAIR Act (H.R. 4603), sponsored by Representative John McGuire. The legislation aims to prevent state regulators from approving utility rates for companies engaging in certain diversity, equity, inclusion practices or ESG-related considerations. It seeks to refocus utilities on providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy rather than pursuing political agendas. The CEA is urging Congress, regulators, and the public to support reforms and demand greater transparency from Xcel Energy and other utilities they view as politicized.
"Utilities should deliver power, not political agendas," said Iuculano. "The FAIR Act ensures Christian employers aren’t punished for staying true to their convictions."
The Christian Employers Alliance is a national association comprising over 200 Christian business owners representing more than 88,000 employees across various U.S. industries. The group promotes ethical leadership, business excellence, and policies aligned with Biblical principles and traditional American values. According to CEA members engage in advocacy and collaboration to support religious freedom, integrity, and the dignity of work while influencing public policy at local, state, and national levels.
