Annual Report of Employee Stock Plans (11-k)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 11-K


ý			ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the year ended Dec. 31, 2019 or


o			TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number: 1-3034


A. Full title of the plan and the address of the plan, if different from that of the issuer named below:

New Century Energies, Inc.

Employees’ Savings and Stock Ownership Plan for

Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees

and

New Century Energies, Inc.

Employee Investment Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and

Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees


B. Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan and the address of its principal executive office:

XCEL ENERGY INC.

414 NICOLLET MALL

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55401

(612) 330-5500

TABLE OF CONTENTS


New Century Energies, Inc. Employees’ Savings and Stock Ownership Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (BU Savings Plan)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm			3
Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits as of Dec. 31, 2019 and 2018			4
Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019			5

New Century Energies, Inc. Employee Investment Plan For Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (EIP Savings Plan)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm			6
Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits as of Dec. 31, 2019 and 2018			7
Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019			8

Notes to Financial Statements as of Dec. 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019			9

Supplemental Schedules:
Form 5500, Schedule H, Part IV, Line 4(i) – Schedule of Assets (Held at Year End) – BU Savings Plan			17
F orm 5500, Schedu le H, Part IV, Line 4(i) – Schedule of Assets (Hel d at Year End) – EIP Savings Plan			18

Signatures			19

Exhibits
23.1: Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Note: All other schedules required by Section 2520.103-10 of the Department of Labor’s Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 have been omitted because they are not applicable.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Plan Administrator and Plan Participants of

New Century Energies, Inc. Employees’ Savings and

Stock Ownership Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and

Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of New Century Energies, Inc. Employees’ Savings and Stock Ownership Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (the "Plan") as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Plan's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Plan in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Report on Supplemental Schedule

The supplemental schedule of assets (held at year end) as of December 31, 2019, has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the Plan's financial statements. The supplemental schedule is the responsibility of the Plan's management. Our audit procedures included determining whether the supplemental schedule reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the supplemental schedule. In forming our opinion on the supplemental schedule, we evaluated whether the supplemental schedule, including its form and content, is presented in compliance with the Department of Labor's Rules and Regulations for Reporting and Disclosure under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. In our opinion, such schedule is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the financial statements as a whole.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

June 26, 2020

We have served as the auditor of the Plan since 2002.

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NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC.

EMPLOYEES’ SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN FOR

BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES

STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS


	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Investments at fair value (participant-directed):
General investments (Note 6)	$	418,381,188	$	356,237,013
Value of interest in Master Trust (Note 4 and 6)	78,362,960		69,587,091
Total investments	496,744,148		425,824,104

Receivables:
Xcel Energy contributions (Note 3)	9,499,978		9,058,298

Notes receivable from participants (Note 7)	6,723,009		6,657,268
Total receivables	16,222,987		15,715,566






Net assets available for benefits	$	512,967,135	$	441,539,670

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

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NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC.

EMPLOYEES’ SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN FOR

BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS


	Year Ended Dec. 31
	2019
Contributions:
Xcel Energy	$	9,499,978
Employee	19,798,218
Rollover	776,237
Total contributions	30,074,433

Investment income:
Plan interest in income from Master Trust (Note 4)	21,163,559
Interest and dividends	11,423,552
Net appreciation in fair value of interest in mutual funds, self-directed brokerage accounts, and collective trusts	64,949,238
Total investment income	97,536,349

Interest on notes receivable from participants	355,350

Benefits paid to participants	(56,087,886)
Administrative expenses (Note 1)	(405,334)

Increase in net assets before plan transfers	71,472,912
Transfer of Plan assets (Note 1)	(45,447)
Net increase in net assets available for benefits	71,427,465

Net assets available for benefits at beginning of year	441,539,670
Net assets available for benefits at end of year	$	512,967,135

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Plan Administrator and Plan Participants of

New Century Energies, Inc. Employee Investment Plan

for Bargaining Unit Employees and

Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits of New Century Energies, Inc. Employee Investment Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (the "Plan") as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related statement of changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits of the Plan as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the changes in net assets available for benefits for the year ended 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

Report on Supplemental Schedule

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

June 26, 2020

We have served as the auditor of the Plan since 2002.

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NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC.

EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT PLAN FOR BARGAINING

UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES

STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS


	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Assets
Investments at fair value (participant-directed):
General investments (Note 6)	$	93,395,367	$	76,424,529
Value of interest in Master Trust (Note 4 and 6)	41,822,216		37,358,492
Total investments	135,217,583		113,783,021

Receivables:
Xcel Energy contributions (Note 3)	1,934,321		1,886,104
Notes receivable from participants (Note 7)	3,449,939		3,375,739
Total receivables	5,384,260		5,261,843

Net assets available for benefits	$	140,601,843	$	119,044,864

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

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NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC.

EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT PLAN FOR BARGAINING

UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS


	Year Ended Dec. 31
	2019
Contributions:
Xcel Energy	$	1,934,321
Employee	5,592,864
Rollover	74,169
Total contributions	7,601,354



Investment income:
Plan interest in income from Master Trust (Note 4)	11,055,206
Interest and dividends	1,697,655
Net appreciation in fair value of interest in mutual funds, self-directed brokerage accounts, and collective trusts	15,019,231
Total investment income	27,772,092

Interest on notes receivable from participants	189,278

Benefits paid to participants	(13,833,424)
Administrative expenses (Note 1)	(172,321)

Net increase in net assets available for benefits	21,556,979

Net assets available for benefits at beginning of year	119,044,864
Net assets available for benefits at end of year	$	140,601,843

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements

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NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEES’ SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN FOR

BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES

and

NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT PLAN FOR BARGAINING UNIT

EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF DEC. 31, 2019 AND 2018 AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DEC. 31, 2019

1. DESCRIPTION OF PLANS

The following includes a brief description of the New Century Energies, Inc. Employees’ Savings and Stock Ownership Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (BU Savings Plan) and the New Century Energies, Inc. Employee Investment Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (EIP Savings Plan), collectively the “Plans.” Participants should refer to their respective Plan Document or Summary Plan Description for more complete information. The notes to the financial statements generally apply to the Plans and specific disclosures are presented to address matters for individual plans, where applicable.

General – The Plans are defined contribution benefit plans which provide eligible employees of Plan sponsor, Xcel Energy Inc., and its participating subsidiaries (Xcel Energy) the opportunity to contribute to a qualified retirement savings plan. Each Plan is subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended.

For the BU Savings Plan and the EIP Savings Plan, Xcel Energy contributes the employer matching contribution in cash. Participant deferrals and matching contributions are invested into one or more investment funds as elected by the participants.

Plan and Trust Management – The Plan administrator is Xcel Energy, who has authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the Plans. Plan assets are held by a trustee under a trust agreement as adopted by Xcel Energy. The Plans’ assets invested in Xcel Energy Inc. common stock are held in the Xcel Energy Stock Fund within the Master Trust (see Note 4). The Xcel Energy Stock Fund also holds an immaterial amount of cash equivalents for operational purposes. Individual participant accounts are valued daily based on the current market value of each asset type. The Vanguard Group is the record keeper and Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company (VFTC) serves as trustee for the Plans.

Transfer of Plan Assets – Assets are typically transferred amongst plans when a participant moves from one benefit plan to another within Xcel Energy. In 2019, $45,447 of participant assets were transferred from the BU Savings Plan to the Xcel Energy 401(k) Savings Plan as reported on the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019. There were no participant assets transferred from (or into) the EIP Savings Plan in 2019.

Eligibility

BU Savings Plan

All regular, full-time employees of Xcel Energy whose collective bargaining agreement allows for participation in the Plan on the first day of the month following date of hire, while a regular, part-time employee (one who works less than 40 hours per week) must complete one year and 1,000 hours of service to become eligible.

EIP Savings Plan

All regular, full-time employees of Xcel Energy whose collective bargaining agreement allows for participation in the Plan as soon as it is administratively feasible following their date of hire.

Employee and Employer Contributions – Each plan allows participants to contribute a portion of their compensation as pre-tax, pre-tax rollovers from other qualified retirement plans and allows for a discretionary employer matching contribution (see Note 3). The BU Savings Plan also allows participant after-tax contributions. The EIP Savings Plan allows Roth 401(k) after-tax contributions.

Vesting – Employee contributions, matching contributions made by Xcel Energy and earnings in each Plan are immediately vested.

Distributions

BU Savings Plan

Benefits may be distributed after termination of employment, disability, or death (payable to designated beneficiary) in the form of a single lump sum or installments, rollover to an IRA or another employer’s qualified plan.

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EIP Savings Plan

Benefits may be distributed after termination of employment, disability, or death (payable to designated beneficiary) in the form of installments, a single lump sum or a rollover to an IRA or another employer’s qualified plan.

For each of the Plans, if the total amount of the participant’s vested account balance exceeds $1,000 at a distributable event, the participant may defer distribution until age 70½, unless the participant consents in writing to commence distributions at an earlier date. If the total amount is less than $1,000, the Plan Administrator will schedule a payment date and the amount will be distributed as soon as it is administratively possible. All vested account balances remaining in the Plans after the participant decides to terminate employment with Xcel Energy for any reason, will be invested in the funds of the participant’s choice. The participant will continue to receive their share of investment earnings and dividend distributions until the account is completely distributed.

Participant Accounts – Both Plans maintain individual accounts for each participant. Each participant’s account is credited with the participant’s contributions, Company matching contributions, and Plan earnings as applicable. Participant accounts are also charged with withdrawals, an allocation of Plan losses as applicable, and administrative expenses not paid by the Company. Allocations are based on participant earnings or account balances. The benefit to which a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the participant’s vested account.

Forfeited Amounts – For the plan year ended Dec. 31, 2019, Xcel Energy did not apply forfeitures to reduce employer contributions.

Plan Termination – While Xcel Energy expects to continue the Plans, it reserves the right at its sole and absolute discretion to amend, modify, change or terminate the Plans for whatever reason it deems appropriate, subject to collective bargaining obligations. If Xcel Energy were to terminate the Plans, assets would be distributed in accordance with ERISA guidelines.

Administrative Expenses – Xcel Energy pays certain administrative expenses of the Plans. Certain investment advisory, trustee and recordkeeping fees are paid by the Plans or by the participant, as applicable. The Self Directed Brokerage Option annual account maintenance fee and plan recordkeeping fees are paid by the participant. Loan set-up fees are paid by Xcel Energy under the BU Savings Plan. Loan set-up fees and annual maintenance fees are paid by the participant under the EIP Savings Plan.

Xcel Energy Inc. Common Stock Dividends

BU Savings Plan

Dividends paid on shares held in Xcel Energy Inc. common stock within the Master Trust are paid quarterly to Plan participants in cash as a taxable distribution.

EIP Savings Plan

Dividends paid on shares held in Xcel Energy Inc. common stock within the Master Trust are automatically reinvested in Xcel Energy Inc. common stock unless the participant elects to receive them as a taxable cash distribution.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Accounting – The accompanying financial statements of the Plans have been prepared under the accrual method of accounting in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and changes therein and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of additions and deductions during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Risks and Uncertainties – The Plans provide for investment in a variety of investment funds. Investments, in general, are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, credit and overall market volatility risk. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investments, it is reasonably possible that changes in investment values will occur in the near term and such changes could materially affect participants’ account balances and amounts reported in the financial statements. For further discussion on the risks and uncertainties related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), see Note 10.

Fair Value Measurements – The Plans present money market funds and mutual funds (registered investment companies), the Xcel Energy Stock Fund held within the Master Trust, collective trusts, and self-directed brokerage accounts investments at fair value in its financial statements.

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The fair values of money market funds are based on quoted net asset value, calculated as $1 per share, and thus are included in the Fair Value hierarchy as Level 1 investments (see note 6). The fair values of mutual funds and Xcel Energy Inc. common stock are based on quoted market prices.

The self-directed brokerage option allows participants to self-direct investments in a wider variety of mutual funds, equity securities, and debt securities. Within self-directed brokerage accounts, the fair value of mutual funds and equity securities are based on quoted market prices, while the fair values of debt securities are based on market interest rate curves and recent trades of similarly rated securities.

Collective trusts include investments in retirement target date trusts, which have been assigned as Level 2 investments, and are valued at the underlying investments’ net asset value at the close of the day multiplied by the number of shares in the fund. These assets did not have any unfunded commitments at Dec. 31, 2019, and 2018, and there are no redemption restrictions.

Notes Receivable from Participants – Notes receivable from participants are measured at their unpaid principal balance plus any accrued but unpaid interest. Delinquent participant loans are recorded as deemed distributions based on Plan document terms.

Investments – The Plans’ net asset investments include money market funds, various mutual funds, collective trusts, a portion of the Master Trust, and self-directed brokerage accounts. Each participant elects the percentage of his or her account balance to be invested in each investment option. Investment income includes interest and dividends. Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments and unrealized gains or losses in the fair value of investments are shown as net appreciation (depreciation) in the fair value of investments. Total investment income is allocated to each fund based on the number of units in each fund. Security transactions are recognized on the trade date (the date the order to buy or sell is executed).

Income Recognition – The difference between fair value and cost of investments, including realized and unrealized gains and losses, is reflected in the Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.

Payment of Benefits – Benefit payments are recorded when paid.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurement — In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Fair Value Measurement — Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, Topic 820 (ASU No. 2018-13), which amends certain disclosure requirements of ASC 820, effective for fiscal years beginning after Dec. 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted. The ASU removed the requirement to disclose amounts and reasons for transfers between level 1 and level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as well as the policy for timing of transfers between levels. The ASU also modified the disclosure for investments in certain entities that calculate NAV to disclose the timing of liquidation of an investee’s assets and the date when restrictions from redemption might lapse and clarified the requirement to disclose uncertainty in measurement as of the reporting date. The Plan is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on its financial statements, but does not expect the ASU to have a material impact.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

Master Trust Reporting – In February 2017, the FASB issued Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960), Defined Contribution Plans (Topic 967), Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965): Employee Benefit Plan Master Trust Reporting (Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-06). The amendments in this update state that for each master trust in which a plan holds an interest, a plan's interest in that master trust and any change in that interest are required to be presented in separate line items in the Statement of Net Assets Available for Benefits and in the Statement of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits. It also removes the requirement to disclose the percentage interest in master trust for plans with divided interest, but requires plans to disclose the dollar amount of their interest by investment type. Xcel Energy implemented the guidance on Jan. 1, 2019 and the adoption impacts were not material.

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3. PLAN FUNDING

Employee Contributions

BU Savings Plan

Participants may elect to contribute up to 20% of their annual compensation in pre-tax contributions and up to 8% in after-tax contributions. The combination of pre-tax contributions up to $19,000 in 2019, and after-tax contributions cannot exceed 20% of their annual compensation. Participants who are age 50 or older during the Plan year may make additional pre-tax (catch-up) contributions up to $6,000 in 2019. The Plan is required to make corrective distributions when IRS limits are exceeded due to excess deferrals, excess contributions and excess annual additions, which are returned to participants during the subsequent Plan year.

EIP Savings Plan

Participants may elect to make either regular 401(k) pre-tax deferrals, Roth 401(k) after-tax deferrals or a combination of both not to exceed 30% of their base pay or $19,000 in 2019. Participants who are age 50 or older during the Plan year, may make additional catch-up contributions (pre-tax and/or Roth) up to $6,000 in 2019. The Plan is required to make corrective distributions when IRS limits are exceeded due to excess deferrals, excess contributions and excess annual additions, which are returned to participants during the subsequent Plan year.

The EIP Savings Plan has an automatic enrollment program for newly hired/rehired full-time employees in regular status. Eligible employees who do not make an affirmative election or do not waive Plan participation within 30 days from date of hire/rehire are automatically enrolled at an initial percentage of base pay (4% pre-tax in 2019 and 2018), contribution rates are automatically increased each year by 1% (capped at 10%), and their accounts are automatically invested in an age-appropriate target-date fund. Employees who are automatically enrolled can opt out of the default options and make their own independent choices at any time.

Employer Contributions

BU Savings Plan

Xcel Energy may contribute cash or shares of Xcel Energy stock as a matching contribution equal to 100% of the first 3%, and 50% of the next 4% of a participant’s pre-tax contribution during the Plan year. All Plan participants are eligible for the matching contribution, regardless of their employment status at year-end. Employer contributions may be made at any time during the Plan year or after its close, but not later than 60 days after the close of the Plan year. 2019 employer contributions were paid in February 2020. The contribution is based on each participant’s annual contribution and eligible compensation as defined in the Plan Document.

EIP Savings Plan

Xcel Energy may contribute cash or shares of Xcel Energy stock as a matching contribution equal to 50% of the first 8% of base pay contributed by the employee on a pre-tax and/or Roth 401(k) after-tax basis during the Plan year. All employees participating in the Plan are eligible for a matching contribution, regardless of their employment status at year-end. Matching contributions are allocated after the close of the Plan year, typically during the first quarter. 2019 employer contributions were paid in February 2020. The contribution is based on each employee’s annual contribution and eligible compensation as defined in the Plan Document.

Investment of Employee and Employer Contributions – Participants may invest their contributions among various investment funds offered by the Plans. Any dividends and interest earned on their investments will be reinvested in each of those same investments automatically. For the 2019 Plan year, Xcel Energy matching contributions made to the BU Savings Plan and the EIP Savings Plan were paid in cash and invested in accordance with the participant’s investment election.

4. INTEREST IN MASTER TRUST

The Master Trust is an investment vehicle consisting of Xcel Energy Inc. common stock and a small amount of cash to ensure daily liquidity. The Master Trust pools the stock investment from all four Xcel Energy Inc. sponsored 401(k) plans to reduce administrative and investment expenses. The value of each Plan’s interest in the Master Trust is based on the beginning of the year value of the interest in the Master Trust, plus actual contributions, transfers and allocated investment income or loss, less actual distributions and allocated administrative expenses. Investment income and administrative expenses related to the Master Trust are allocated to the individual plans based upon the daily valuation of the balances invested by each plan.

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The net change in value from participation in the Master Trust is reported as one line item in the accompanying Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits and each Plan’s interest in the Master Trust is reported as a single line item in the accompanying Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits.

A summary of the Plans’ interest in Master Trust as of Dec. 31, 2019 and 2018 are summarized below:


	Dec. 31, 2019
		BU Savings Plan		EIP Savings Plan
Interest in Master Trust (in approximate shares)		1,226,433		654,546
Interest in Master Trust (in percentage)		16.9	%	9.0	%


	Dec. 31, 2018
		BU Savings Plan		EIP Savings Plan
Interest in Master Trust (in approximate shares)		1,401,553		752,437
Interest in Master Trust (in percentage)		17.8	%	9.5	%

A summary of the Plans’ interest in income from the Master Trust for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019 is below:


	For the year ended Dec. 31, 2019
		BU Savings Plan		EIP Savings Plan
Interest in Income from the Master Trust (in percentage)		17.5	%	9.1	%

The Plans have an undivided interest in each security in the Master Trust.

A summary of the net assets of the Master Trust and the Plans’ interest in Master Trust as of Dec. 31, 2019 and 2018 are summarized below:


	Dec. 31, 2019
	Master Trust Balances		BU Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances		EIP Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances
Investments at fair value:
Xcel Energy Stock Fund	$	461,335,591	$	77,866,254	$	41,557,125

Dividends receivable	2,942,840		496,706		265,091
Total net assets	$	464,278,431	$	78,362,960	$	41,822,216


	Dec. 31, 2018
	Master Trust Balances		BU Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances		EIP Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances
Investments at fair value:
Xcel Energy Stock Fund	$	388,474,256	$	69,054,501	$	37,072,566

Dividends receivable	2,996,148		532,590		285,926
Total net assets	$	391,470,404	$	69,587,091	$	37,358,492

Master Trust and Plans’ interest in Master Trust income for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019 are as follows:


	Dec. 31, 2019
	Master Trust Balances		BU Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances		EIP Savings Plan Interest in Master Trust Balances
Total interest, dividend and other income	$	12,180,716	$	2,095,705	$	1,099,318
Realized and unrealized gain in Xcel Energy Stock Fund	109,071,368		19,067,854		9,955,888
Total net gain	$	121,252,084	$	21,163,559	$	11,055,206

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5. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has determined and informed Xcel Energy by letters dated March 24, 2017 and March 13, 2017, respectively, that the BU Savings Plan and the EIP Savings Plan meet the requirements of Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of 1986, as amended. Xcel Energy believes that the Plans are currently designed and being operated in compliance with applicable requirements of the IRC and the Plans continue to be tax-exempt. Therefore, no provision for income taxes has been included in the Plans’ financial statements.

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures provides a single definition of fair value and requires certain disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. A hierarchical framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value was established by this guidance. The three levels in the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets as of the reporting date. The types of assets included in Level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices, such as listed mutual funds and money market funds.

Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. The types of assets included in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, or priced with models using highly observable inputs, as is the case with preferred stock. The collective trusts are not actively traded on an exchange.

Level 3 – Significant inputs to pricing have little or no observability as of the reporting date. The types of assets included in Level 3 are those with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation.

The following tables present, for each of these hierarchy levels, the Plans’ assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis:


BU Savings Plan	Dec. 31, 2019
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Mutual Funds	$	235,380,098	$	—	$	—	$	235,380,098
Collective Trusts	—		150,612,547		—		150,612,547
Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts	4,843,730		54,792		—		4,898,522
Money Market Funds	27,490,021		—		—		27,490,021
Plan Interest in Master Trust:
Xcel Energy Stock Fund	78,362,960		—		—		78,362,960
Total	$	346,076,809	$	150,667,339	$	—	$	496,744,148


	Dec. 31, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Mutual Funds	$	201,430,255	$	—	$	—	$	201,430,255
Collective Trusts	—		123,412,770		—		123,412,770
Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts	4,552,727		12,794		—		4,565,521
Money Market Funds	26,828,467		—		—		26,828,467
Plan Interest in Master Trust:
Xcel Energy Stock Fund	69,587,091		—		—		69,587,091
Total	$	302,398,540	$	123,425,564	$	—	$	425,824,104

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EIP Savings Plan	Dec. 31, 2019
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Mutual Funds	$	44,564,479	$	—	$	—	$	44,564,479
Collective Trusts	—		43,919,614		—		43,919,614
Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts	234,560		—		—		234,560
Money Market Funds	4,676,714		—		—		4,676,714
Plan Interest in Master Trust:
Xcel Energy Stock Fund	41,822,216		—		—		41,822,216
Total	$	91,297,969	$	43,919,614	$	—	$	135,217,583


	Dec. 31, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total

Mutual Funds	$	35,761,786	$	—	$	—	$	35,761,786
Collective Trusts	—		34,897,549		—		34,897,549
Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts	241,378		—		—		241,378
Money Market Funds	5,523,816		—		—		5,523,816
Plan Interest in Master Trust:
Xcel Energy Stock Fund	37,358,492		—		—		37,358,492
Total	$	78,885,472	$	34,897,549	$	—	$	113,783,021

For the years ended Dec. 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no transfers in or out of Levels 1 or 2.

7. NOTES RECEIVABLE FROM PARTICIPANTS

The Plans allow participants to borrow against funds held in their account in any amount greater than $1,000 but less than 50% of the participant’s vested account balance. In no event can a participant borrow more than $50,000 less the participant’s highest outstanding loan balance during the preceding 12 months. Only one outstanding loan is permitted at any time and may not exceed a period of 5 years for a general-purpose loan or 15 years for a principal residence loan. The loan shall bear a rate of interest equal to the prime rate in effect on the first business day of the month the loan request is approved plus 1%, and stays in effect until the loan is repaid. Repayment of the loan plus interest is made through automatic payroll deductions and is credited to each participant’s account as paid. If a participant retires or terminates employment for any reason, the outstanding loan balance must be repaid within 90 days from the date of termination, unless the participant elects to continue making monthly installment payments established by the Plan Administrator.

A summary of the Plans’ notes receivable as of Dec. 31, 2019 and 2018 is below:

BU Savings Plan


	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Interest rates on outstanding loans	4.25% - 6.5%	4.25% - 6.25%
Maturity range	2020 - 2034	2019 - 2033

EIP Savings Plan


	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Interest rates on outstanding loans	4.25% - 8.25%	4.25% - 8.25%
Maturity range	2020 - 2034	2019 - 2033

8. EXEMPT PARTY-IN-INTEREST TRANSACTIONS

The Plans’ investments include shares of Xcel Energy Inc. common stock. For the BU Savings Plan, on the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits, the value of interest in Master Trust included dividends declared and payable to the Plan of $496,706 at Dec. 31, 2019, and $532,590 at Dec. 31, 2018. For the EIP Savings Plan, on the Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits, the value of interest in Master Trust included dividends declared and payable to the Plan of $265,091 at Dec. 31, 2019, and $285,926 at Dec. 31, 2018.

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The Plans also invest in shares of mutual funds and collective trusts managed by an affiliate of VFTC. VFTC acts as trustee for all Plan investments. Transactions in such investments qualify as party-in-interest transactions that are exempt from the prohibited transaction rules. The BU Savings Plan incurred fees for investment management and recordkeeping services of $405,334 for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019. The EIP Savings Plan incurred fees for investment management and recordkeeping services of $172,321 for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019.

9. RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO FORM 5500

The following is a reconciliation of Net Assets Available for Benefits and Net Increase in Net Assets Available for Benefits per the financial statements to net assets and net income per the Form 5500 as of Dec. 31, 2019 and 2018, and for the year ended Dec. 31, 2019, as applicable:

BU Savings Plan:


	2019		2018
Net assets available for benefit per the financial statements	$	512,967,135	$	441,539,670
Deemed distributions of participant loans	(14,858)		(8,377)
Net assets available for benefit per the Form 5500	$	512,952,277	$	441,531,293


	2019
Increase in net assets available for benefit per the financial statements	$	71,427,465
Transfer of Plan Assets	45,447
Deemed distributions activity	(6,481)
Net income per the 5500	$	71,466,431

EIP Savings Plan:


	2019		2018
Net assets available for benefit per the financial statements	$	140,601,843	$	119,044,864
Deemed distributions of participant loans	(11,910)		(13,928)
Net assets available for benefit per the Form 5500	$	140,589,933	$	119,030,936


	2019
Increase in net assets available for benefit per the financial statements	$	21,556,979

Deemed distributions activity	2,018
Net income per the 5500	$	21,558,997

10. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent to Dec. 31, 2019, the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has, and may continue to, adversely impact economic conditions worldwide. Due to the economic disruption caused by the pandemic, there has been increased volatility in the values of investment securities, which could result in significant fluctuations. The extent of the impact of COVID-19 on the Plans’ participants’ account balances and the amounts reported in the 2019 Statement of Net Assets Available for Benefits cannot be predicted at this time.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress. The CARES Act provides immediate and temporary relief for retirement plan sponsors and participants with respect to employer contributions, distributions and participant loans. The provisions of the CARES Act may be effective and implemented immediately, prior to amending the Plan document.

The Plans are currently evaluating applicable relief provisions included in the CARES Act and its future effects on the Plans’ net assets available for benefits and changes in net assets available for benefits are uncertain.

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NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEES’ SAVINGS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN FOR BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES			Schedule 1
Schedule of Assets (Held at Year End)
As of Dec. 31, 2019

New Century Energies, Inc. Employee’s Saving and Stock Ownership Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees, EIN 41-0448030, Plan 005
Attachment to Form 5500, Schedule H, Part IV, Line 4(i)

Description

Investment Type

Cost

Current Value

Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares

Registered Investment Company

90,123,687

Vanguard Wellington Fund Admiral Shares

Registered Investment Company

51,365,158

Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust

Common/Collective Trust

46,870,520

Vanguard Institutional Total Bond Market Index Trust

Common/Collective Trust

35,139,252

Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares

Registered Investment Company

34,397,231

Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund

Money Market Fund

27,490,021

Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares

Registered Investment Company

24,500,272

Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares

Registered Investment Company

11,251,716

Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares

Registered Investment Company

11,247,149

Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

10,338,760

Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

8,550,765

Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

8,479,618

Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

7,531,836

Vanguard Value Index Fund Institutional Shares

Registered Investment Company

7,165,067

Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

6,974,997

Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

5,634,786

BlackRock Total Return Bond Fund; Class M

Common/Collective Trust

5,454,449

Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Institutional Shares

Registered Investment Company

5,329,818

Self-Directed Brokerage Fund

4,898,522

Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

4,760,084

Vanguard Target Retirement Income Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

4,735,626

Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

2,847,911

Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

1,806,347

Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

956,513

Vanguard Target Retirement 2065 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

531,083

Notes Receivable from Participants, net of deemed distributions of $14,858 — Interest rates between 4.25%-6.5% with maturities ranging from 2020 through 2034

6,708,151

Total Investments

425,089,339

Party in Interest

Historical cost is not required for participant-directed funds.

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NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT PLAN FOR BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES			Schedule 1
Schedule of Assets (Held at Year End)
As of Dec. 31, 2019

New Century Energies, Inc. Employee Investment Plan for Bargaining Unit Employees and Former Non-Bargaining Unit Employees, EIN 41-0448030, Plan 006
Attachment to Form 5500, Schedule H, Part IV, Line 4(i)

Description

Investment Type

Cost

Current Value

Vanguard Institutional 500 Index Trust

Common/Collective Trust

13,218,245

Vanguard Developed Markets Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares

Registered Investment Company

10,654,687

Vanguard Institutional Total Bond Market Index Trust

Common/Collective Trust

8,231,219

Vanguard PRIMECAP Fund Admiral Shares

Registered Investment Company

8,211,652

Vanguard Wellington Fund Admiral Shares

Registered Investment Company

8,067,569

Vanguard Mid-Cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares

Registered Investment Company

7,429,191

Vanguard Federal Money Market Fund

Money Market Fund

4,676,714

Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund Institutional Shares

Registered Investment Company

3,379,796

Vanguard Target Retirement 2050 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

3,178,993

Vanguard Value Index Fund Institutional Shares

Registered Investment Company

3,047,692

Vanguard Small-Cap Index Fund Institutional Plus Shares

Registered Investment Company

3,037,802

Vanguard Target Retirement 2040 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

2,809,902

Vanguard Target Retirement 2045 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

2,797,267

Vanguard Target Retirement 2030 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

2,634,372

Vanguard Target Retirement 2055 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

2,243,708

Vanguard Target Retirement 2025 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

2,030,679

Vanguard Target Retirement 2035 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

1,857,118

BlackRock Total Return Bond Fund; Class M

Common/Collective Trust

1,640,025

Vanguard Target Retirement 2020 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

1,339,441

Vanguard Target Retirement 2015 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

870,222

Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities Fund Institutional Shares

Registered Investment Company

736,090

Vanguard Target Retirement 2060 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

729,162

Vanguard Target Retirement Income Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

304,404

Self-Directed Brokerage Fund

234,560

Vanguard Target Retirement 2065 Trust I

Common/Collective Trust

34,857

Notes Receivable from Participants, net of deemed distributions of $11,910 — Interest rates between 4.25% - 8.25% with maturities ranging from 2020 through 2034

3,438,029

Total Investments

96,833,396

Party in Interest

Historical cost is not required for participant-directed funds.

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XCEL ENERGY INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Xcel Energy Inc. has duly caused this annual report on Form 11-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on June 26, 2020.

NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEES’ SAVINGS AND

STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN FOR BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES

AND FORMER NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES

NEW CENTURY ENERGIES, INC. EMPLOYEE INVESTMENT

PLAN FOR BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES AND FORMER

NON-BARGAINING UNIT EMPLOYEES