Rule 424 (b)(3)
Reg. Statement No. 333-00415
Prospectus Supplement
(To Prospectus dated July 17, 1997)
Northern States Power Company
Two-for-One Common Stock Split
Stock Split Information
Northern States Power Company is pleased to inform you
that your Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock
split at the Annual Meeting in April for common stock
shareholders of record on May 18. As a result, you are
entitled to one additional share for each share you held
on that date. The stock split will not change your
proportionate interest in the Company.
Certificates
If you hold shares in certificate form, we have enclosed
a stock certificate for the additional shares to which
you are entitled as a result of the split. Your
certificate was issued with the same registration and
address as shown on our records on May 18. A change in
address will not affect the ownership of your stock, and
you do not have to return your certificate for
correction. However, if your address has changed or if
you want to change the registration of any or all of your
shares, please contact our Shareholders Department. (See
back for address and phone number.)
Your original certificates are still valid and do not
need to be exchanged. Please retain your original
certificates with your additional certificate in a secure
place, such as a safe-deposit box.
Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan
Participants
If you hold shares in a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock
Purchase Plan Account, we have enclosed a Statement of
Account showing the additional shares to which you are
entitled as a result of the split. The additional shares
were added directly to your account in book-entry form
for safekeeping, and are listed as "Stock Split" on your
Statement.
If you hold shares in a Dividend Reinvestment and in
certificate form, you will receive a Statement of Account
and a stock certificate. These documents are being sent
to you under separate mailings.
Tax Information
NSP has been advised by its General Tax Counsel that the
stock split will not result in a gain or loss to
shareholders for federal income tax purposes. However,
any subsequent sale of shares may result in a taxable
gain or loss. If you need more specific tax information,
please consult with your personal tax advisor.
Dividend Information
The first quarter 1998 dividend of $0.705 per share was
paid on April 20, 1998, to shareholders of record on
April 9, prior to the split.
Future dividends will be declared and paid on the basis
of your split shares. The Board will consider the second
quarter dividend on June 24.
NSP Shareholders Department
For questions or instructions regarding transfer of
ownership, change of address, change in denomination,
Dividend Reinvestment elections or other matters, please
contact:
Northern States Power Company
Shareholders Department
414 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis MN 55401
Local Telephone: (612) 330-5560
Toll-Free Telephone: (800) 527-4677
This letter constitutes part of your prospectus for the
Plan and we suggest that you retain it for future
reference.
June 1, 1998
