Fresh Energy (https://fresh-energy.org/author/ben/)
Ben Passer, senior policy associate, reflects on a recent national conference around energy efficiency, health, and equity — and the importance of ensuring that our policies create healthier communities for all.
Last week, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved an increase to Otter Tail Power’s monthly fixed fee from $8.50 to $9.75. The case wraps up roughly a year after Otter Tail Power submitted its initial proposal. In February 2016, Minnesota-based investor-owned utility Otter Tail Power filed its first rate case since 2010, asking for an overall rate increase of 9.8 percent that would have increased revenue by more than $19 million. Fresh Energy intervened in the case to provide expert testimony challenging the requested customer charge increase, and recommending alternative rate designs.
This week, Xcel Energy filed a “concept proposal” to develop a community solar garden project intended to serve low-income customers. The proposal comes on the heels of months of advocacy for improved low-income community solar offerings from Fresh Energy and many partner organizations at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
Fresh Energy is proud to announce that it will partner with the U.S. Department of Energy to host a National Community Solar Partnership workshop in 2016. Building off of a National Community Solar Summit at the White House on November 17, the workshop will convene solar companies, nonprofits, and state and local community leaders who are working to expand community solar in the Midwest.
The Clean Energy Incentive Program (CEIP) is a provision in the Clean Power Plan that awards allowances to states for early action to invest in renewable energy, such as wind and solar, as well as low-income energy efficiency projects. Notably, double credits will be awarded for low-income energy efficiency projects that reduce end-use energy demand in 2020 and 2021. Fresh Energy is urging the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to include participation in the CEIP through five targeted recommendations.
Solar is booming, in Minnesota and across the world. But barriers like owning certain kinds of property and paying high upfront costs have made solar an option that really only works for some. At Fresh Energy, we want to create policies that make solar an option for everyone. That’s where community solar comes in.