** Shares of utility firm Xcel Energy XEL.O down 1.94% at $70.16

** Company misses Q1 profit estimates, hurt by higher operating and interest expenses

** Xcel's total operating costs rise 8.7% to $3.23 billion; interest expenses up 11.6% at $309 million

* Posts Q1 adjusted profit of 84 cents/share vs estimate of 92 cents/share

** XEL says total tariff exposure is 2%-3% on its $45 billion base capital plan through 2029

** Including session's moves, shares up 3.96% YTD

(Reporting by Katha Kalia in Bengaluru)

((Katha.Kalia@thomsonreuters.com))