May 25, 2021
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.
May 24, 2021
Case Study: 907 acres of pollinator-friendly solar
Enel Green Power’s Aurora Solar project is one of the state’s first large-scale solar developments, having beat out gas on price when the project was approved in 2014. Completed in 2017, the project consists of 16 pollinator-friendly sites spread across central and southern Minnesota. The locations utilize a variety of stewardship practices, including flowering ground cover for bees and birds, low-growing grass meadows, sheep grazing, and adjacent honey bee hives.
May 24, 2021
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.
May 21, 2021
A year of reflection and unfinished transformation
We recognize that an equitable energy transition requires climate justice, and there is no climate justice without racial justice. The last year has been a time of deep reflection and a realization of much-needed change, for our state as a whole but also for our organization.
May 20, 2021
Welcome to Briana, David, Eric, and Natalie!
April showers bring May flowers—and new Fresh Energy team members! We are celebrating the spring season by broadening the team and filling the roles of staff who have moved on to new opportunities in the past year.
May 20, 2021
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.
May 19, 2021
Legislative session ends with impactful clean energy policy, more to come in June
While the state’s budget remains particularly sticky, some significant progress on energy has been made this session
May 15, 2021
Data Dive: New numbers show Minnesota’s carbon-free progress
There’s a lot going on behind the scenes when we flip the light switch, turn on the tv, or plug in an electric vehicle for at-home charging. Whatever its source, energy must be harnessed or collected, then transported, before it can be used to power our homes and businesses.
May 12, 2021
Say goodbye to gas this summer—electrify your yard care
We give you the low-down on how you can ditch the gas and electrify your yard care.
May 10, 2021
Landmark EPA ruling to phase down HFCs will deliver health and climate benefits for all, including Minnesotans
Last week, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced that it is moving to phase down production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons.