Energy Supply Renewable Intern - MN

Xcel Energy; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Xcel Energy is offering a Renewable Operations internship based in Minneapolis. You will join a cross-functional team supporting Solar, Storage, and Wind assets, identifying performance gaps and improving reliability through hands-on projects aligned with strategic objectives.

The role emphasizes data analytics, dashboards, and reporting, with opportunities to work across regions and sites and gain hands-on experience in renewable energy operations.

Qualifications

• Current student, junior or higher.
• Enrolled in accredited college/university pursuing a degree in Data Analytics / Data Science / CS / MIS / Statistics / Applied Mathematics
• Travel to some sites; Minneapolis base requires 2-hour one-way trips to renewables sites
• Work full-time during summer (up to 40 hours/week) and commute in-person per hybrid policy
• Preferred: renewable energy, power systems, or energy storage; Excel/Power BI/Python; SCADA familiarity; strong communication and analytics

Responsibilities

• Analyze operational performance data across Solar, Storage, and Wind assets.
• Identify trends, performance gaps, and regional inconsistencies.
• Support development of standardized processes and best practices across sites.
• Assist with reporting, dashboards, and performance tracking tools.
• Collaborate with site teams, reliability engineering, and performance optimization groups.

Skills

Data analytics

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Time management

Adaptability

Education

Data Analytics / Data Science / CS / MIS / Statistics / Applied Mathematics degree (pursuing)

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Python

SCADA familiarity

Data visualization

Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

At Xcel Energy, our employees are the driving force behind our success. So we make sure that, here, you can be your best. Doing work that makes a difference for neighbors and communities. Working with a team you can count on to push you. Expanding skills, staying ready for change, and capturing opportunities to grow. All with the support, rewards and recognition you need to thrive – during your internship and beyond.

Project Description
This internship will be embedded within Xcel Energy’s Renewable Operations organization, supporting performance improvement initiatives across Solar, Energy Storage (BESS), and Wind assets spanning all three operating regions. The intern will contribute to identifying performance gaps, improving operational consistency, and supporting reliability initiatives across a diverse renewable fleet. The role is designed to provide hands‑on experience through meaningful, business‑impact work aligned with operational priorities and strategic objectives.

Team Description
The intern will work within a cross-functional Renewable Operations team that includes field operations, performance optimization, and engineering functions. This environment provides exposure to multiple disciplines required to support renewable generation, reflecting the collaborative and multi-functional structure used to manage solar, wind, and storage assets across the company. The intern will engage with subject matter experts across technologies and regions, gaining insight into fleet-wide operations and strategic initiatives. The role will support operations across all Xcel Energy renewable operating regions and may involve coordination with remote teams across Solar, Wind, and Energy Storage.

Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Analyze operational performance data across Solar, Storage, and Wind assets
• Identify trends, performance gaps, and regional inconsistencies
• Support development of standardized processes and best practices across sites
• Assist with reporting, dashboards, and performance tracking tools
• Collaborate with site teams, reliability engineering, and performance optimization groups
• Provide recommendations to improve reliability, availability, and generation performance

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.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current student, Junior or higher
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Data Analytics / Data Science Computer Science / Computer Engineering Management Information Systems (MIS) Statistics / Applied Mathematics
• Travel to some of the site would be required. If based in Minneapolis this would be a 2-hour one way trip to visit different renewable sites.
• Able to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours a week) and commuting to the designated work location in-person, per our hybrid work policy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior coursework or experience in renewable energy, power systems, or energy storage technologies
• Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI, Python, or similar)
• Familiarity with performance monitoring, SCADA systems, or industrial data environments
• Demonstrated interest in operations, reliability engineering, or performance optimization
• Strong communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analytics skills, with the ability to present insights clearly
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work in a fast-paced environment
• Previous internship, project, or academic experience involving engineering analysis or data-driven problem solving
• GPA of 3.0 or higher (preferred)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to renewable generation sites as needed
• Ability to work both independently and in a cross-functional team environment

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at [e-mail].

Non-Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $20.90 to $22.10 per hour

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 10/15/26

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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

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