Minnesota

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Minnesota utility wants to expand work on community microgrids

Xcel Energy is hoping to build on its success in developing community resilience hubs, but critics argue the utility will hold an unfair advantage over other companies.

By Frank Jossi . 20 October 2022
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Gas station owners, charging companies oppose Xcel Energy’s electric vehicle charging plan

A business coalition is objecting to a proposal by Xcel Energy to install hundreds of public charging stations in Minnesota.

By Frank Jossi . 27 September 2022
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Why Minnesota Democrats aren’t embracing California’s ban on new gas cars

Some states plan to join California in largely banning the sale of new gas-powered cars by 2035, but Minnesota doesn't seem poised to follow suit.

By Walker Orenstein . 22 September 2022
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More Midwest banks see opportunity to finance solar, energy efficiency projects

A digital subsidiary of an Iowa community bank is among the latest to start competing with national lenders to finance solar installations. Advocates hope the trend creates more options, trust and comfort for borrowers.

By Frank Jossi . 11 August 2022
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Minnesota initiative aims to lower energy burden in manufactured homes

The state’s Clean Energy Resource Teams, a public-private partnership, has targeted manufactured home communities for energy conservation outreach over the last four years.

By Frank Jossi . 29 July 2022
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Tight housing market has left little room for buyers to consider efficiency

Cities including Minneapolis and Bloomington, Minnesota, are making more information about home energy performance available to prospective buyers, but its use has been limited by the tight housing market and other factors.

By Frank Jossi . 25 July 2022
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Xcel Energy to test resilience hubs in three Minneapolis neighborhoods

The utility will spend nearly $9 million integrating solar, batteries, and microgrid technology at three community sites as part of a broader grid modernization plan recently approved by state regulators.

By Frank Jossi . 18 July 2022
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Xcel taps Colorado leader to help prepare utility for carbon-free future

In an interview with the Energy News Network, Xcel Energy’s new chief planning officer Alice Jackson talks about the potential role of storage, hydrogen and nuclear as the utility tries to zero out its carbon emissions.

By Allen Best . 15 July 2022
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From suburbs to small towns, more Minnesota cities taking climate action

More than a dozen Minnesota cities have adopted climate action plans as the impact of warmer and more extreme weather on cities becomes more apparent.

By Frank Jossi . 5 July 2022
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Minnesota courts hear challenges to use of agricultural land for solar projects

The Minnesota Court of Appeals has sided both in favor of solar developers and county officials in recent cases that challenged the denial of permits to build community solar projects in rural areas.

By Frank Jossi . 24 June 2022