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.
Programs
Time of use electricity pricing: good for bringing even more wind online
In a previous post, we argued time-of-use pricing will boost wind development by increasing demand for electricity during times of high wind generation. In this post, we walk through a simplified electricity market to show how this works.
Electric vehicles and renewables: the PB&J of the energy world
Electric vehicles and renewable energy are like peanut butter and jelly: They’re great on their own, but they’re so much better together. Electric vehicles save money and are better for the environment, and wind energy is the lowest-cost way to make electricity in Minnesota.
Minnesota Updates Cost of Air Pollution from Power Plants
Today, in a victory for public health, clean air, and homegrown clean energy, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) updated calculations to reflect the true cost that air pollution imposes on Minnesotans.
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.