State Policy › Minnesota

MINNESOTA WIND ENERGY FACTS

Renewable Portfolio Standard:

25% by 2025 Renewable Portfolio Standard

Utility Specific: Xcel Energy 30% by 2025

SOLAR ENERGY STANDARD:

 1.5% by 2020 Solar Energy Standard

Key Issues:

• Continue to build support for passage of the bipartisan Clean Energy First legislation
• Educate legislators and other key state officials on the need for more transmission capacity
• Promote the economic benefits renewable energy provides rural Minnesota
• Continue efforts in the Legislature and Regulatory arenas to streamline and expedite the permitting process for renewable energy projects
• Support the development of utility scale solar projects
• Modify or repeal the state’s Prime Farmland Exclusion Rule which may limit solar development 
• Defend the state's strong clean energy policies and favorable tax and siting climate
• Drive new markets for near and long term renewable energy development through advocacy in utility resource plans and other key dockets at the Public Utilities Commission

CGA Staff Liaison:

Peder Mewis, pmewis@cleangridalliance.org

Important State Links:

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources:
Working to move Minnesota toward a sustainable energy future, managing energy assistance funds, advocating in the public interest on energy utility rates and facility siting.