Fresh Energy applauds the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s approval of Xcel’s plan to equitably and affordably invest in electric transportation infrastructure
On April 9, 2026, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) approved Xcel Energy’s proposed Transportation Electrification Plan (TEP) (Docket M-25-142), unlocking investments to support the electrification of Minnesota’s transportation sector, the state’s largest source of carbon emissions.
“Fresh Energy applauds the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s careful and thorough consideration of Xcel Energy’s Transportation Electrification Plan,” said Nick Haeg, Senior Associate, Electric Vehicles at Fresh Energy. “This decision will help ensure that electric vehicles are accessible and affordable for all Minnesotans while making smart, cost-effective use of our electric grid infrastructure.”
Fresh Energy filed two rounds of comments at the Commission urging Xcel to strengthen its investment proposals. Several of our recommendations were adopted in yesterday’s decision. Most significantly, the Commission denied Xcel’s request to increase off-peak electricity rates for EVs by 96%, a change that would substantially raise costs for electric vehicle (EV) owners, who primarily charge their vehicles overnight, which optimizes grid use and benefits all ratepayers. Instead, the Commission ordered Xcel to conduct a cost-of-service study to better understand the value EV drivers contribute to the grid.
“Transportation affordability has taken center stage in our current political moment, so it is heartening to see that EV drivers benefiting our grid will continue to see significant savings compared to gas car drivers, especially when charging during overnight, off-peak hours,” said Haeg.
The Commission also approved Xcel’s new “Charging Perks” active managed charging program for residential customers, which will allow customers to receive additional bill credits from Xcel in exchange for temporarily slowing or pausing home EV charging during times of grid stress. The program will save drivers money, help integrate more renewable energy sources, reduce strain on the grid, and avoid unneeded grid infrastructure upgrades. The Commission also asked Xcel to study the development of public EV charging rates, allowing smart Level 1 chargers into its actively-managed charging program, and consider expanding its managed charging program to commercial customers.
As more Minnesotans adopt EVs, TEPs are a valuable tool to ensure electric utilities are investing in rapid, efficient, equitable, and climate-smart infrastructure. Filed every two years, these plans outline how Minnesota’s electric utilities will invest in EV charging infrastructure, fleet electrification, and programs that integrate vehicles to the grid, providing benefits for drivers, utilities and their customers, and the climate.
Fresh Energy is also engaged with Minnesota Power’s and Otter Tail Power’s TEPS at the Commission this spring. We look forward to continuing to engage with utilities, stakeholders, and the Commission on other Transportation Electrification Plans to meet Minnesota’s climate targets equitably, reliably, and affordably.