Brian Elwood Xcel Energy

Brian Elwood serves as a key executive at Xcel Energy, playing a significant role in customer service, community engagement, and the company’s clean energy initiatives. With a career spanning nearly three decades at Xcel, Elwood’s leadership has helped shape regional service strategies and fostered partnerships that boost renewable energy adoption and economic development in Wisconsin and Michigan.

Leadership Journey at Xcel Energy

Brian Elwood is currently the Regional Vice President of Customer and Community Service for Wisconsin and Michigan. He has held this position since August 2023, having previously served as General Manager for the same region from May 2018 to August 2023. His earlier roles include Manager of Community Relations & Economic Development and Administrator of Strategic Communications, all within Xcel Energy.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Coordinates customer-facing operations across two states, ensuring high service standards.
• Leads community outreach, local economic development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Guides strategic communications, crisis response, and public relations.

Community Initiatives and Renewable Energy Projects

Under Brian Elwood’s guidance, Xcel Energy has launched impactful projects that demonstrate the company’s dedication to sustainability and customer collaboration. Among these is the Chippewa Sun solar array project in Hallie, Wisconsin a flagship initiative that illustrates both commitment to clean energy and regional development.

Chippewa Sun Solar Array

This 5-megawatt solar facility, completed in late 2024, is designed using bifacial panels that move slowly to maximize solar capture. It provides carbon-free electricity to three primary subscribers: the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire’s new Sonnentag center, a local SpringHill Suites by Marriott (Pablo Group), and Eau Claire city buildings.

Elwood emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, highlighting Xcel’s coordination with Madison-based OneEnergy Renewables and local suppliers. The field also includes wildflower plantings and partnerships with local schools through the SolarShare Cooperative to encourage education on renewable energy.

Strategic Goals and Impact

• Advances Xcel’s goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.
• Supports subscribers’ sustainability commitments, reducing their carbon footprints.
• Strengthens local economic development by involving regional contractors and educating communities.

Communication Expertise and Crisis Leadership

Elwood’s background in strategic communications and crisis management has been critical in maintaining customer trust and effectively communicating Xcel’s vision. A 2023 podcast interview mirrors his focus on enhancing field communications through innovative audio channels a testament to his drive for clear employee and community engagement.

His LinkedIn presence also highlights a personal leadership side, such as when he celebrated employee initiatives during Mental Health Awareness Month by inviting therapy dogs into the office an example of his hands-on, compassionate approach.

Broader Community Engagement

Brian Elwood’s community roles extend beyond Xcel. He serves as Chair-Elect of Momentum West, a regional economic development board covering ten counties in western Wisconsin.

Community Partnerships and Impact

• Champions clean energy and infrastructure projects like Chippewa Sun.
• Coordinates with educational institutions to align workforce needs with emerging energy sector jobs.
• Supports business development through strategic engagement at regional and state levels.

Vision for the Future

With nearly 99.9% reliability in energy delivery across its networks and some of the lowest customer bills nationally, Xcel Energy remains on track under Elwood’s leadership to navigate a clean-energy transformation while preserving affordability and resilience.

Elwood describes the current period as one of, if not the most exciting times in the energy industry, citing rapid technological advancements and shifting customer expectations. By combining strategic communications, renewable energy deployment, and community collaboration, he is helping Xcel lead a new era in utility services.

Brian Elwood’s career journey at Xcel Energy epitomizes strategic leadership rooted in service, sustainability, and local impact. From internal communications to large-scale renewable energy projects like Chippewa Sun, he has employed his skills in stakeholder engagement and operational oversight to influence change. Beyond corporate walls, his work with Momentum West shows dedication to broader regional development aligning economic growth with energy innovation. As Xcel Energy continues its push toward carbon-free electricity, leaders like Elwood will play a crucial role in bridging corporate strategy with community benefit.

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