Xcel Energy (NASDAQ:XEL), SEMCO ENERGY Gas Company (SEMCO) and Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) today announced the sale of Xcel Energy’s Michigan natural gas operations to SEMCO and electric operations to UPPCO.

If approved by regulators, Xcel Energy’s 6,000 natural gas customers will be served by SEMCO, and 9,000 electric customers will be served by UPPCO. Together, these customers in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties will transition to providers with deep local roots in the Upper Peninsula.

All three companies are working closely with regulators, community stakeholders and employees to ensure customers are handled with care during the transition. The goal is simple: keep service reliable, make the transition smooth, and continue investing in the infrastructure that serves Upper Peninsula communities.