In spite of a split-control legislature, 2021 has been an incredibly impactful year for energy at the State Capitol with significant investments in solar energy, policy support for a just and equitable transition, innovative decarbonization strategies, and more.
Programs
Case Study: NextEra Energy’s Marshall Solar Array on Prime Farmland
Constructed in 2016, the 62 MW Marshall Solar Energy Project is located on 355 acres of agricultural land in Lyon County, three miles east of Marshall, Minnesota. Partly in response to several visual renderings of the project showing acres of closely mowed suburban-style turfgrass, the proposed project received little support and drew active pushback from residents who were concerned about the loss of prime farmland and how it could affect their property values.
MISO’s long-term planning will play a key role in decarbonization
With long term planning for new transmission projects currently underway, Minnesota’s grid operator, MISO, is working to plan a future-proof electric grid.
ECO Act becomes law, modernizing Minnesota’s energy efficiency policy
The ECO Act is on its way to the desk of Governor Walz! When the bill is signed into law, it will be the culmination of four years of Fresh Energy advocacy.
Minnesota Commission approves two innovative pilots to increase load flexibility and lower system costs
New time-of-use rate pilots will test a few different strategies for encouraging Xcel Energy’s commercial and industrial customers to shift their electricity usage.
Ford F-150 Lightning unveiling marks the future of the auto industry—and it’s electric
Ford’s F-150 Lightning is painting a picture of the future of electric vehicles – and the auto industry as a whole.