External Affairs & Policy Intern- CO, MN

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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