As Minnesota moves from centralized coal plants to cleaner distributed energy resources like wind and solar, the flow of electricity on the grid is no longer going in just one direction. We need to modernize the rules that govern our electric system to ensure new clean energy can come online.
Fresh Energy
Second Annual Benefit Breakfast: A huge success
Fresh Energy’s second annual Benefit Breakfast was a big success with more than 500 people coming together to support the transition to clean energy.
Solar sites serve up the Tesla of honey
Solar is blooming in Minnesota—and as ground-mounted solar sites spring up around the state, most include an important feature: pollinator habitat. Beekeepers are jumping on the opportunity.
Fresh Energy’s 25 years of progress on energy efficiency
When Fresh Energy was founded energy conservation was sort of a folksy thing that people taught their kids. Now, Minnesota is a leader on energy efficiency thanks to the energy savings and spending requirements included in the nation-leading 2007 Next Generation Energy Act. As the grid continues to get cleaner and cleaner, Fresh Energy’s efficiency work is shifting from focusing purely on energy savings and more on energy performance.
Used electric cars offer more affordable clean transportation
While the first electric cars came at a premium price, new models are much more affordable. Many high quality electric cars were built three or more years ago, and as owners wrap up their leases and buy new models, it creates an influx of used electric cars for people looking at low-cost options.
How are other states expanding access to solar?
Fresh Energy led development of the overarching Minnesota law that requires utilities to develop community solar programs. The policy we shaped and drove was rooted in lessons learned from other states. As Minnesota takes the next steps to shape a community solar offering specifically for low-income households and communities, Fresh Energy is going through the same process.
