Quick Answer

Conditional, Xcel Energy is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that may hire individuals with felony convictions for certain positions. As one of the largest public utilities in the United States with approximately 11,380 employees serving 3.9 million electricity customers and 2.2 million natural gas customers across eight states, Xcel Energy operates critical infrastructure including nuclear power plants, electrical transmission systems, and gas distribution networks. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a background check and pre-employment drug screening, and are subject to Fair Chance Hiring principles and EEOC guidelines.

The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons. Instead, they must conduct an individualized assessment of the conviction to determine if it is job-related and consistent with business necessity. However, Xcel Energy operates critical infrastructure subject to extensive federal oversight.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to terrorism and violence (automatic disqualifier for NRC-regulated nuclear positions), fraud and financial crimes (high scrutiny for all positions involving company assets), and substance abuse (DOT and NRC regulations impose strict requirements). Recent offenses within the past 7 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type.

Best opportunities exist in Customer Contact Center positions ($14-$22/hr) and corporate support roles in Human Resources, Communications, and Finance that do not require unescorted access to critical infrastructure or federal security clearances.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• No Automatic Federal Disqualification: Must NOT have a conviction that automatically bars access to Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or Department of Transportation (DOT)-regulated positions if seeking those specific roles.

  
  

• Drug and Alcohol Policy Compliance: Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and adhere to the strict Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace Policy. Refusal to submit to testing is considered a positive test result.

  
  

• No Recent Integrity Crimes: Must have a record free of recent felonies related to fraud, embezzlement, or corporate theft, especially for financial, IT, or supply chain positions.

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Field positions require ability to lift up to 90 lbs, climb wood poles up to 100 feet tall, work in confined areas, and pass DOT physical examination. Office roles have standard requirements.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must provide accurate information on all employment forms. The company emphasizes integrity and ethical conduct. Lying is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide required I-9 documentation.

  
  

• Residence Requirements: Some field positions require residency within 20 miles of the service center for emergency response purposes.

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding the legal landscape for criminal records in employment is essential for Second Chance applicants. Xcel Energy operates in eight states with varying fair chance hiring laws, but must comply with federal EEOC guidelines nationwide. Colorado and Minnesota, where major facilities are located, have strong fair chance protections, but these are often superseded by federal critical infrastructure requirements.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse to consider an applicant because of a criminal record. Employers must conduct an individualized assessment considering the Green Factors:

(1) Nature and gravity of the offense;

(2) Time elapsed since the offense and/or completion of sentence;

(3) Nature of the job sought and its relationship to the offense. Blanket policies excluding all felons are prohibited. However, federal regulatory requirements for nuclear and critical infrastructure may impose specific disqualification criteria that override general fair chance guidelines.

FCRA Requirements

If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, Xcel Energy must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) adverse action procedures:

(1) Provide pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and summary of FCRA rights;

(2) Allow reasonable time to dispute inaccuracies;

(3) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands after review.

State-Specific Considerations

Colorado has the Chance to Compete Act (effective September 1, 2021), which prohibits employers with 11 or more employees from stating in job advertisements that persons with criminal history may not apply, and prohibits inquiry into criminal history on initial applications. Minnesota has similar fair chance protections. Both states where Xcel Energy has major operations provide strong applicant protections. However, these protections do not override federal regulatory requirements for NRC and DOT positions. Texas, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan have more limited state-level protections.

Utility-Specific Considerations

The utility industry involves critical infrastructure protection, which has specific regulatory considerations. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements under 10 CFR 73.57 mandate FBI fingerprint-based criminal history checks for all personnel seeking unescorted access to nuclear facilities. While no specific criminal offense is automatically disqualifying, licensees must determine applicants are "trustworthy and reliable." Security personnel at nuclear facilities must not have "felony convictions that reflect on the individual's reliability." Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations govern CDL positions with specific drug/alcohol testing requirements and background standards. Employees must report any conviction under alcohol or drug statutes occurring on company property or time within five days.

Company Overview

Xcel Energy Inc. is a regulated electric utility and natural gas delivery company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Formed in 2000 through the merger of Northern States Power Company and New Century Energies, the company operates four subsidiary utilities: Northern States Power-Minnesota, Northern States Power-Wisconsin, Public Service Company of Colorado, and Southwestern Public Service Company. Xcel Energy serves approximately 3.9 million electricity customers and 2.2 million natural gas customers across eight states. The company employs approximately 11,380 workers.

In December 2018, Xcel Energy became the first major U.S. utility to pledge 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050, with an 80% carbon reduction target by 2035. The company operates nuclear plants, wind farms, natural gas facilities, and solar installations. Xcel Energy has been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute. The company is publicly traded on NASDAQ (XEL) with revenues of approximately $14.2 billion annually.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 2000 (predecessor companies date to early 1900s)

• Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Employees: 11,380 across eight states

• Service Territory: Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin

• Stock Symbol: XEL (NASDAQ)

• CEO: Bob Frenzel (Chairman, President & CEO since 2021)

• Revenue: $14.2 billion (trailing twelve months)

• Industry: Regulated Electric and Natural Gas Utility

Hiring Policy Analysis

Hiring at Xcel Energy is governed by its commitment to Equal Employment Opportunities and is a multi-step process: application, interview(s), conditional offer, and then pre-hire requirements including background checks and drug screening. The company complies with state Ban-the-Box laws in Colorado and Minnesota, meaning criminal history inquiries occur after conditional offer. However, federal mandates for NRC and DOT positions often override general fair chance laws by imposing specific disqualification criteria for safety and security-sensitive roles. Background checks are conducted after conditional offers, giving applicants the opportunity to demonstrate qualifications before criminal history review.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by regulatory security clearance requirements and the inherent risk/responsibility of each position.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and company job postings. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and union contract.

Career Path Examples

Xcel Energy emphasizes internal advancement and offers training programs for career development. Many leadership positions are filled through internal promotion.

Customer Service Track: Customer Service Representative ($13-$21/hr) → Senior Customer Service Representative ($14-$22/hr) → Customer Service Supervisor ($55-$65K/yr) → Customer Operations Manager ($75-$90K/yr). Advancement based on performance metrics, tenure, and demonstrated reliability.

Field Operations Track: Utility Worker ($21-$28/hr) → Operations Specialist ($21-$30/hr) → Operations Supervisor ($70-$85K/yr) → Operations Manager ($90-$120K/yr). Requires clean safety record, physical capability, and completion of required certifications.

Line Worker Track: Apprentice Lineman ($30-$39/hr) → Journeyman Lineman ($45-$62/hr) → Crew Foreman ($65-$80K/yr) → Line Supervisor ($85-$110K/yr). Union progression; requires completion of apprenticeship program and demonstrated skill advancement.

Background Check Process

Understanding Xcel Energy's background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically for what to expect. The company conducts background checks after conditional offer, which means you'll have the opportunity to interview and demonstrate your qualifications before your criminal history is reviewed.

What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; identity verification through SSN trace and 7-year address history; employment history verification (typically 3 years); education verification for positions requiring specific credentials; mandatory pre-employment drug screening for all positions; MVR check for positions requiring driving; additional checks including FBI fingerprinting, psychological assessment, and NRC clearance for nuclear positions.

Lookback Period: Standard 7-year criminal lookback in most states. Colorado and Minnesota limit certain records to 7 years. Employment verification typically extends 3 years. Nuclear positions may have lifetime review for serious offenses affecting trustworthiness. DOT positions have specific lookback requirements for violations.

Timeline: Standard background checks typically take 1-2 weeks to complete. Nuclear positions requiring NRC clearance may take several weeks to months due to FBI processing and psychological evaluations. The overall hiring process from application to start date averages 3-6 weeks depending on position type.

Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview(s) conducted → Conditional offer extended → Background check and drug test authorization signed → Background check conducted → Results reviewed using individualized assessment → Final hiring decision made → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Start date confirmed → Orientation.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk for Disqualification: Terrorism-related offenses (automatic for nuclear positions); violent felonies especially involving weapons; felonies reflecting on reliability for nuclear security personnel; recent substance abuse convictions (DOT-regulated positions); fraud, embezzlement, or theft offenses (financial positions); providing false or inaccurate information on application (automatic disqualifier); refusing or failing drug screen (6-month waiting period to reapply).

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Older non-violent offenses; offenses unrelated to job duties; convictions with demonstrated rehabilitation; misdemeanors without violence or substance abuse; offenses occurring more than 7 years ago. All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence and time elapsed.

Your Rights as Applicant

• FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice and provide consent before a background check. If denied based on the report, you're entitled to a copy and the right to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Before a final decision, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. Reasonable time to respond and dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• EEOC Protection: You have the right to an individualized assessment for non-federally-regulated positions. Blanket exclusions based solely on criminal record are prohibited.

  
  

• Ban the Box: In Colorado and Minnesota, employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Criminal history inquiry occurs after conditional offer.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. Check your own records beforehand to identify and correct errors.

Application Strategy

1. Target Customer Service and Corporate Roles: Focus on Customer Contact Center Representative and corporate support positions which have the lowest barriers and highest volume hiring needs. Avoid nuclear, line worker, or other federally-regulated positions initially if your record is recent or includes relevant offenses.

   
   

2. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit your application through jobs.xcelenergy.com. Xcel Energy posts positions on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Check the careers page regularly as customer service positions are posted frequently. Use their AI assistant Electra to help navigate job search.

   
   

3. Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your customer service skills, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to safety. Research Xcel Energy's carbon-free energy goals and community commitment. Emphasize reliability, integrity, and willingness to learn.

   
   

4. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later. Wait until asked or until the appropriate stage (after conditional offer) to discuss your record.

   
   

5. Prepare Your Narrative: Have a brief, honest explanation ready: acknowledge the offense without making excuses, describe what you learned, and explain how you've changed. Focus on rehabilitation, personal growth, and stability. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds).

   
   

6. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes since your conviction: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, vocational training, stable housing, employment history, community involvement, and references from employers or probation officers.

   
   

7. Check Expungement Eligibility: Research whether your offense qualifies for sealing or expungement in your state. Colorado has expanded expungement options. Sealed records generally cannot be reported on background checks.

   
   

8. Follow Up Professionally: After applying, follow up if you don't hear back within 2 weeks. If you receive a pre-adverse action notice, respond promptly with rehabilitation documentation. Persistence and professionalism demonstrate the qualities employers value.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Utility Industry Offers Stable Careers: Unlike seasonal or gig work, utility companies provide year-round employment with comprehensive benefits. Customer service roles offer entry points to long-term career paths.

   
   

2. Start in Customer Service, Advance Within: Many successful careers at Xcel Energy begin in the Customer Contact Center. Prove reliability through attendance and performance. Training programs provide pathways to higher-paying positions.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Order your own criminal background check from a consumer reporting agency. Dispute any errors or outdated information in advance.

   
   

4. Understand Federal Limitations: If your record includes violent felonies or recent substance abuse, certain positions may be permanently off-limits due to NRC or DOT regulations. Focus on positions without federal clearance requirements.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying. Xcel Energy requires drug screening for all positions. Refusal or failure results in 6-month disqualification. DOT positions have random testing requirements.

   
   

6. Highlight Stability and Reliability: Emphasize stable housing, reliable transportation, and any consistent work history. Utility employers especially value dependability for customer-facing and safety-sensitive roles.

   
   

7. Network and Use Employee Referrals: Current Xcel Energy employees can provide referrals. Employee referrals often receive priority consideration. Network through LinkedIn or local workforce development programs.

   
   

8. Be Flexible on Schedule: Willingness to work various shifts increases your chances significantly. Customer contact centers operate extended hours. Demonstrating flexibility shows commitment.

Benefits Overview

Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive benefits package that is consistently rated positively by employees. Benefits begin with no waiting period for many positions.

Compensation: Competitive pay with annual increases. Performance-based bonuses for eligible positions. Overtime pay at time-and-a-half (58% of employees report receiving overtime). Customer service positions range from $13-$22/hr; skilled trades earn $45-$62/hr.

401(k) and Retirement: 401(k) with employer match up to 6%. Defined benefit pension plan (vested after 3-5 years depending on subsidiary). Colorado PSCo has the best matching program.

Health Benefits: High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA). Low monthly premiums for individuals. Coverage begins immediately. Delta Dental and VSP vision coverage. Life insurance and AD&D. Short-term and long-term disability.

Time Off: 3 weeks PTO to start, increasing with tenure. 20-30 days per year reported by employees. Paid holidays. Sick time. FMLA available. Parental leave.

Additional Benefits: Tuition reimbursement. Employee Assistance Program. Flexible work options (remote Mon/Fri for some roles). Career development programs. Employee resource groups. Recognition programs.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Strong retirement benefits (pension + 401k match), generous PTO, remote work options, job stability, meaningful work in clean energy transition, benefits start immediately.

Cons: High deductible health insurance ($4k individual/$8k family), call center stress, limited flexibility in some roles, pay could be higher for customer service, management varies by department.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Xcel Energy hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Xcel Energy may hire individuals with felony convictions, but opportunities are highly dependent on the position type. Customer service and corporate support roles offer the best chances for applicants with records. However, positions requiring NRC clearance (nuclear), DOT certification (line workers, drivers), or access to critical infrastructure face significant federal regulatory barriers. The company conducts individualized assessments for non-federally-regulated positions considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Xcel Energy?

   After receiving a conditional job offer, you authorize a background check that includes criminal history (county, state, federal), identity verification via SSN trace, 7-year address history, and employment verification. All positions require drug screening. Field positions may require DOT testing and MVR checks. Nuclear positions require FBI fingerprinting, NRC clearance, and psychological assessment. Standard checks take 1-2 weeks; nuclear clearances may take months.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at Xcel Energy—what is the lookback period?

   Standard criminal lookback is 7 years in most states. Colorado and Minnesota limit certain records to 7 years. Employment verification typically covers 3 years. Nuclear positions may review lifetime criminal history for serious offenses affecting trustworthiness. DOT positions have specific lookback requirements. Convictions older than 7 years generally receive less weight in individualized assessments.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Xcel Energy?

   Most difficult: terrorism-related offenses, violent crimes involving weapons, felonies affecting reliability (for nuclear positions), recent substance abuse convictions (for DOT positions), fraud/theft (for financial roles). Moderate difficulty: DUI/DWI (especially for driving positions), property crimes. Lower difficulty: non-violent offenses unrelated to job duties, older convictions with demonstrated rehabilitation, misdemeanors without aggravating factors.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Xcel Energy for applicants with a record?

   Customer Contact Center Representative ($14.40-$22.30/hr) offers the most accessible entry point with no federal clearance requirements. Corporate support roles in HR, Communications, and administrative functions also have lower barriers. Operations Specialist positions ($21-$30/hr) may be accessible depending on facility access requirements. Avoid nuclear, line worker, and security positions initially.

   
   

6. Does Xcel Energy drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, Xcel Energy requires pre-employment drug screening for all positions. This is a non-negotiable requirement. DOT-regulated positions (CDL holders) face additional random testing requirements and stricter standards. Nuclear positions require NRC-compliant drug and alcohol testing. Refusal to submit or failure to appear for drug screening is treated as a positive result and disqualifies you for 6 months.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Xcel Energy ask about criminal history?

   In compliance with Colorado's Chance to Compete Act and Minnesota fair chance laws, Xcel Energy does not ask about criminal history on initial applications. The company cannot state that persons with criminal history may not apply. Criminal history inquiry occurs after a conditional offer of employment has been extended, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications first.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Xcel Energy if they have a felony?

   Yes, advancement to management is possible for individuals with felony convictions in non-federally-regulated positions. Customer service supervisors and corporate management roles do not require federal clearances. However, advancement to positions requiring facility access or security clearances may be limited. Time since conviction, demonstrated reliability, and job performance are key factors in advancement decisions.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take at Xcel Energy?

   The overall hiring process typically takes 3-6 weeks from application to start date. Standard background checks complete in 1-2 weeks. Nuclear positions requiring NRC clearance, FBI fingerprinting, and psychological assessment may take several weeks to months. Customer service positions generally have faster turnaround due to ongoing hiring needs.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Xcel Energy?

    Key strategies include:

    (1) Target customer service and corporate roles without federal clearance requirements;

    (2) Be completely honest about your record when asked;

    (3) Prepare a concise rehabilitation narrative;

    (4) Document rehabilitation efforts with certificates, references, and employment history;

    (5) Pass the drug screening;

    (6) Check for and correct any errors in your criminal record;

    (7) Research expungement eligibility in your state;

    (8) Demonstrate stability, reliability, and commitment to Xcel Energy's values.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Xcel Energy doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in utilities and related industries:

Conclusion

Xcel Energy offers limited but real opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in customer service and corporate support roles. As a major utility serving 3.9 million customers across eight states, the organization provides stable employment with comprehensive benefits including pension, 401(k) matching, and immediate benefit eligibility. However, the company operates critical infrastructure subject to extensive federal oversight, creating significant barriers for many positions.

The work environment varies significantly by position—customer service roles involve high call volumes but offer remote work options, while field positions demand physical capability and face strict safety requirements. The compensation is competitive for the utility industry, and career advancement is possible through internal promotion.

Key Success Factors: Target customer service and corporate roles without federal clearance requirements; be completely honest about your record; prepare rehabilitation documentation; pass the mandatory drug screening; demonstrate stability and reliability; research expungement options in your state.

Biggest Barriers: NRC regulations for nuclear positions create nearly insurmountable barriers for certain conviction types; DOT regulations affect line worker and driving positions; substance abuse history is heavily scrutinized due to safety requirements; fraud and integrity offenses face high scrutiny across all positions.

For applicants focused on long-term career stability with excellent benefits, Xcel Energy's customer service pathway offers a genuine opportunity. Success requires honest self-assessment of which positions are realistically accessible given your specific background, combined with thorough preparation and demonstrated commitment to Xcel Energy's values of safety, integrity, and service.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies vary by position, location, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), and salary databases (PayScale, ZipRecruiter), employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Xcel Energy.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Federal regulations (NRC, DOT) impose additional requirements that may supersede state fair chance laws. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://jobs.xcelenergy.com