How we've been sharing MN's clean energy story this fall
Delivering clean energy opportunities
CEEM's Manger of Business Development & Programs highlights how CEEM has been busy delivering value in a variety of arenas to serve Minnesota's clean energy sector.
Thank you for attending! Looking Downfield: Clean Energy Goals
On Wednesday this week we held our annual fall gathering at Allianz Field, a new venue for us this year! We were pleased to welcome Minnesota PUC Commissioner John Tuma as our guest speaker. We also enjoyed the perspectives from Senator Paul Anderson (R-Plymouth), Representative Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) and State Capitol Correspondent Dana Ferguson from Forum News Service.
From L to R: Benjamin Stafford, Lily Osborne, Rep. Stephenson (back row), Dan Ferguson, Commissioner Tuma (back row), Amelia Cerling Hennes, Senator Anderson (back row), Gregg Mast.
Utilities seek to raise rates
On November 1, Minnesota’s two largest utilities filed requests with the Public Utilities Commission which could substantially increase customers’ electricity rates. Petitions for rate increases include Xcel estimating a 15.2% increase, and Minnesota Power estimating a 10.5% increase. With proposed rate increases, Minnesota’s rates for residential customers would likely stay near or below national rates. Lower residential rates are often attributed to successful conservation (energy efficiency) programs (ACEEE ranks Minnesota #8 for EE in 2019). Both cases will be contested in the coming months. (See Star Tribune 11/1)
Opportunity Zones: creative solutions for clean energy
There are 8,700 designed “opportunity zones” across the United States. There are 128 zones designated throughout Minnesota. Learn how this new tax incentive could benefit clean energy companies.
You may know what an IDP is, but does your spouse? We invite others into the energy insiders’ conversation with a little briefer on 8 energy and utility-related acronyms everyone should know this fall.
Meet John Mertes, Energy Specialist in Werner Electric's St. Cloud office. He joined the company in 2005 looking for a career. Read more about his journey here.
Event Spotlight: Women Make Buildings Better
CEEM is proud to sponsor this inspiring event set to showcase the value of diversity and inclusion in the building/construction arena. Put on by Trane and the Science Museum of Minnesota, get ready to engage with industry leaders and learn how women are increasingly making the business of building better.
This year's Midwest Bioenergy Celebration was held at member company Koda Energy in Shakopee, and featured CEEM Ex. Director Gregg Mast as a panel speaker. The event was held in conjunction with the 7th Annual National Bioenergy Day and highlighted the many benefits bioenergy provides on the local level. The celebration showcased four innovative MN facilities utilizing biomass for heat and/or power and concluded by featuring a keynote address from Deputy Commissioner Joe Sullivan from the MN Department of Commerce.
Faribault Area Community Solar Garden
Last month CEEM member company Nokomis Partners proudly cut the ribbon on their new 5 MW Faribault Area Community Solar Gardens. This new garden is one of the first in the nation to be constructed using the Value of Solar which provides savings to subscribers without impacting other ratepayers.
The garden features new bifacial solar panels, which Nokomis Partners President Julian White noted during a tour of the garden. The garden’s subscribers include the Faribault Area School District, the City of Farmington, Goodhue County and others. The new garden is estimated to power 772 homes annually and will collectively save $68,000 on their annual energy bills. Visit here to learn more.
Talking clean energy at the Twin Cities Film Fest
In October, CEEM sponsored the film “Current Revolution” at the Twin Cities Film Festival’s Changemaker Series (focused on environmental responsibility).
The film focuses on the business and policy changes happening across the country in energy. Benjamin Stafford and Amelia Cerling Hennes attended the film premier and took audience Q&A on clean energy topics after the film.
Xcel’s nuclear plants, such as the facility in Monticello, along with wind and solar power, are being counted on to help Xcel reduce its carbon-based energy sources by 80 percent by 2030.
CEEM continues to engage with communities and policymakers through climate conversations (see our blog). Benjamin joined a conversation in Maple Grove with Representatives Kristin Bahner (DFL, Maple Grove) and Jamie Long (DFL, Minneapolis).
Pictured from L to R: Ben Rabe (Fresh Energy), Paul Douglas, Linda Freeman (League of Women Voters), Rep. Kristin Bahner, Jasmine Holt (11th grade Maple Grove student activist), Benjamin Stafford (CEEM), and Rep. Jamie Long.
Join GREATER MSP for their 2019 Annual Meeting! This special event convenes investors, partners, and business and civic leaders throughout the region. GREATER MSP Partnership leaders will share highlights and aspirational ambitions for our region's future.
Changemaker Series (focused on environmental responsibility).
conversations (see our 
