Minnesota Energy Resources (MERC) has "filed a complaint" against Xcel Energy, saying the Minneapolis-based utility company "unjustly poached a prime customer" in the Vikings, according to Mike Hughlett of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The complaint filed last week with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission "centers on the Vikings' new practice complex" and corporate HQ, which is under construction in Eagan, Minn. MERC said that the Vikings' complex is in its "'natural' -- though admittedly not exclusive -- territory, and that Xcel has run afoul of state law." MERC "claims Xcel is causing an unnecessary duplication of services." The company also argues that a "dangerous precedent will be established if Xcel is allowed to provide service to facilities located in an area that has long been served by MERC." The team is "moving its home base from Winter Park in Eden Prairie and has plans ultimately for a 'destination development' in Eagan that would include a small stadium, a hotel and a conference and event center." Xcel "informed MERC earlier this month that it made a deal with the Vikings to be the Eagan development's sole natural gas provider." Xcel was "able to provide gas to the Vikings at a lower cost." Hughlett noted if Xcel is "allowed to serve the Vikings property, it will need to build its own pipeline." MERC is "asking the PUC to issue an order declaring that MERC has the exclusive right to provide natural gas to the Vikings' development" (STARTRIBUNE.com, 4/21).
