Minnesota’s 2027–2029 Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Triennial Review Process is underway, and Fresh Energy will be engaged every step of the way to advocate for policies that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On June 15, 2026, Minnesota’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities filed their proposed 2027–2029 ECO Triennial Plans, kicking off the public review process that will help shape how ratepayer-funded energy efficiency, electrification, and load management investments are made over the next three years.
The Triennial review process provides an important opportunity for utilities, advocates, community organizations, local governments, and other stakeholders to help shape Minnesota’s energy efficiency and electrification programs. The Minnesota Department of Commerce’s Notice of Completion and Written Comment Period includes the comment timeline and a list of Topics Areas Open for Comment, which stakeholders are encouraged to use as a guide when organizing their comments.
Fresh Energy advocates for cleaner, more efficient utility programs in ECO Triennials
Fresh Energy has been actively engaged in Minnesota’s energy efficiency programs for decades because they are among the state’s most effective tools for reducing energy costs, lowering climate pollution, improving comfort, and expanding access to clean energy. Our work has focused on strengthening energy efficiency programs, expanding cost-effective electrification through technologies like heat pumps, pairing electrification with weatherization, improving low-income and multifamily offerings, supporting transportation electrification where cost-effective, modernizing cost-effectiveness testing, and ensuring utility programs and incentives align with Minnesota’s energy and climate goals.
You can learn more about our recent ECO policy priorities in our blog post “Minnesota improves ECO to advance electrification, efficiency, and equity ahead of filings.” To learn more about the evolution of Minnesota’s ECO programs, read “The Conservation Improvement Program’s Legacy in Minnesota.”
Resources to strengthen Minnesota’s ECO programs
To help stakeholders engage in this year’s review process, Fresh Energy, alongside our partners at the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota (CUB) and the Minnesota Housing Partnership, recently presented to participants in the Minnesota ECO Income-Eligible Working Group. Our presentation provides an overview of the Triennial review process, opportunities for stakeholder engagement, and highlights many of Fresh Energy’s recommendations for strengthening Minnesota’s ECO programs.
You can also read more about our engagement in the 2024-2026 ECO Triennial process in our blog post “Modernizing utility programs to advance an equitable energy transition.“
Minnesota’s electric and natural gas utilities have filed proposed 2027–2029 ECO Triennial Plans:
- Xcel Energy — Docket No. 26-110
- Minnesota Power — Docket No. 26-91
- Otter Tail Power — Docket No. 26-92
- CenterPoint Energy — Docket No. 26-93
- Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation (MERC) — Docket No. 26-96
- Great Plains Natural Gas — Docket No. 26-95
- Greater Minnesota Gas — Docket No. 26-94
What’s next?
Over the coming months, Fresh Energy will review each utility’s proposed plan, submit comments, and coordinate with many of our partners to help ensure ratepayer-funded ECO investments are spent effectively to maximize energy savings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve affordability, and deliver meaningful benefits for Minnesotan households and businesses. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the summer and fall as the process continues!