Minnesota

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Minnesota utilities target small transmission upgrades with big grid impacts

A group of utilities is partnering on 19 transmission projects aimed at getting the most use from existing wires until larger projects start to come online later this decade.

By Frank Jossi . 15 November 2023
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Minnesota adjusts solar incentives to prioritize low-income households

A new law requires Xcel Energy to dedicate half of its Solar Rewards program budget to income-qualified customers, a category that includes schools and nonprofits.

By Frank Jossi . 6 November 2023
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Xcel Energy revives Minneapolis resiliency project with help of federal grant

The utility will use part of a $100 million federal resilience grant awarded last week to pay for its share of microgrid projects at three community centers serving disadvantaged neighborhoods.

By Frank Jossi . 25 October 2023
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After slowdown in demand response signups, Minnesota considers new approach

In August, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission heard debate on whether third-party companies should be permitted to recruit customers for demand response programs.

By Frank Jossi . 10 October 2023
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In the shadow of a nuclear plant, Prairie Island celebrates steps toward a green future

The Tribal Nation is about two years into an effort to cut its members’ energy costs with a solar field and other eco-friendly projects.

By Gustav DeMars . 3 October 2023
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New Minnesota law aims to lower barrier for participating in public utility cases

Small nonprofits will be eligible to be reimbursed for expert testimony in a broader range of cases under the new state law, which aims to diversify the viewpoints heard by commissioners.

By Frank Jossi . 2 October 2023
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State, federal funding fuels expansion of Minnesota microgrid research center

The University of St. Thomas’ Center for Microgrid Research recently won a $7.5 million state legislative appropriation and $11 million in federal defense bill earmarks to help it expand.

By Frank Jossi . 20 September 2023
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Does nuclear power stand a chance in Minnesota amid a moratorium and carbon-free mandate?

Minnesota aims to decarbonize its energy supply by 2040, and utilities say nuclear could provide a consistent, clean power source — if a state moratorium was repealed.

By R.C. Drews . 15 September 2023
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Climate advocate Kate Knuth on her new role as Minnesota’s agency’s climate director

The former state lawmaker and Minneapolis mayoral candidate talks about how government can help mobilize the state to prepare for climate change.

By Frank Jossi . 18 August 2023
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In northern Minnesota, early adopters make the case for cold-climate heat pumps

Heat pump installers and early adopters in and around Duluth, Minnesota, are demonstrating how the technology can work even in a notoriously cold climate such as northern Minnesota.

By Stephanie Hemphill . 11 August 2023