Distribution Planning Engineering Intern - Maple Grove, 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.

Xcel Energy is seeking a Distribution Planning Intern to join the Integrated Distribution Planning team, which is dedicated to designing the grid of the future. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work on the expansion of the distribution system to accommodate new demands such as building electrification and electric vehicles, as well as integrating distributed generation sources like solar and wind. The Planning team is responsible for ensuring the safety and reliability of the distribution system while developing both short-term and long-term plans that align with company, state, and policy goals.

As an intern, you will be based in Maple Grove, MN, and will work full-time during the summer, starting in June 2026, with the potential to continue part-time during the 2026-2027 school year. This role will provide you with practical operations experience and mentorship, allowing you to gain a significant understanding of the electric grid, develop valuable professional skills, and enhance your communication abilities. You will collaborate closely with Planning Engineers to support various distribution system studies and project development tasks. Your responsibilities will include conducting power flow studies, developing long-range distribution plans, and evaluating community solar garden interconnection studies. This internship is designed to challenge you and provide opportunities for learning and growth within a leading energy company.

- Work with the Planning Engineers to support distribution system studies and project development.

- Perform power flow studies and distribution project development.

- Develop long-range distribution plans and evaluate community solar garden interconnection studies.

- Gain practical operations experience and mentorship to understand the grid better.

- Develop communication and people skills through collaboration and teamwork.

Minimum Requirements

- Enrolled in an ABET accredited engineering program, preferably electrical.

- Must be a current Freshman, Sophomore or Junior.

- Basic understanding of electric distribution systems.

- Experience with MS Office.

- Python experience preferred.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills.

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. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.

Non-Bargaining

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $20.70 to $24.00 per hour

This position is eligible for the following benefits: Spot On Bonus, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 10/16/25

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