External Affairs & Policy Intern- CO, MN

Xcel Energy Inc; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Xcel Energy is seeking candidates for a May 31, 2027 start internship in Denver to support the External Affairs & Policy team. The role offers exposure to energy policy, regulatory strategy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic initiatives that advance the company’s clean energy transition.

Interns will research policy issues, prepare inputs for executive briefings, analyze regulatory trends, and contribute to cross-functional projects with a hybrid in-person work model in Denver, CO.

Qualifications

• Current student, Junior or higher (as of Fall 2027).
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree relevant to energy policy or public affairs.
• Willing to work full-time during the summer (up to 40 hours per week) and commute to the designated work location in-person per hybrid policy.

Responsibilities

• Research energy policy, legislative, and regulatory developments affecting Xcel Energy and the utility industry.
• Prepare inputs to inform briefing materials, presentations, and policy summaries.
• Analyze data and perform strategic analysis of emerging issues related to clean energy, electrification, affordability, reliability, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support policy, regulatory, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

Skills

Policy research

Regulatory analysis

Data analysis

Written communication

Verbal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Pursuing degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Public Administration or Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

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.

Xcel Energy is seeking candidates to support the External Affairs & Policy team in Denver, CO. This paid internship provides an opportunity to work on energy policy, regulatory strategy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic initiatives that support Xcel Energy's clean energy transition and strategic objectives. The External Affairs & Policy team works across the company to evaluate emerging legislative and regulatory developments, assess business impacts, support executive decision-making, and advance company priorities through engagement with policymakers and other external stakeholders. The internship provides practical experience researching energy policy issues, preparing inputs and research to inform executive presentations and briefing materials, analyzing regulatory and legislative trends, and supporting strategic projects that contribute to company planning and decision-making. Each intern will play a supportive role in advancing team objectives while gaining exposure to cross-functional collaboration, decision-making processes, and the evolving energy industry.

Typical intern responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Research energy policy, legislative, and regulatory developments affecting Xcel Energy and the utility industry.
• Conduct research and prepare inputs to inform briefing materials, presentations, and policy summaries.
• Analyze data and perform strategic analysis of emerging issues related to clean energy, electrification, affordability, reliability, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support policy, regulatory, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

This position is for a May 31, 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 (as of Fall 2027)
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Environmental Studies, Sustainability, Public Administration or Engineering,
• 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:

• 3.0 GPA (out of a 4.0 scale) or higher.
• Coursework or demonstrated interest in energy policy, environmental policy, utility regulation, sustainability, or public affairs.
• Experience conducting research, analyzing data, and synthesizing information into concise recommendations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities.

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-BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $19.30 to $24.50 per hourThis 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: 10/16/26

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ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.