Xcel Energy

1. Electrical Infrastructure Safety: Xcel Energy's hydroelectric power plants are prone to damage from floods, extreme weather, and system failures, which can disrupt electrical systems and surrounding infrastructure.

2. Environmental Impact: Hydroelectric power plants often require the construction of dams and reservoirs, which can result in changes to the environment, such as habitat loss and sediment buildup, as well as ecosystem disruption.

3. Water Availability: Xcel Energy's hydroelectric power plants are dependent on water availability, which can be an issue during drought or prolonged dry periods. In addition, the damming of rivers and streams can affect fish and other wildlife populations, as well as interrupt water flow across state and international borders.

4. High Operating Costs: Hydroelectric power plants require significant investments in both capital and operating costs, making them costlier than most other sources of electricity.

5. Flexibility: Hydroelectric power plants are not as flexible as some other sources of electricity, and therefore cannot easily respond to sudden increases or decreases in demand.