Our Power

There's a really important decision coming up on whether solar will stay accessible in Minnesota. A coalition of groups is gathering signatures to show public support. Please sign on to tell Minnesota regulators to ensure that residents get an adequate utility bill credit for participating in community solar. Without this decision, community solar risks becoming available only to large commercial and industrial customers. Deadline for signing is Friday 5/11 at 2PM - please spread the word:

Keep the “Community” in Community Solar Minnesota’s community solar garden (CSG) program provides value to thousands of Minnesotans - and has the potential to benefit thousands more. CSGs provide significant energy savings to subscribers while powering increased renewable energy development in the state. Residentially accessible CSGs va...

http://www.startribune.com/xcel-plans-big-expansion-in-wind-power-adding-enough-capacity-for-750-000-homes/394429271/ "Xcel plans to own up to 50 percent of the wind generation announced Thursday"

"But by owning wind farms (rather than getting the bulk of its wind power from long-term purchase agreements) Xcel Energy Minnesota can incorporate its investments into its rate base and thus get a return for its investors through the regulatory process."

Xcel plans big expansion in wind power, adding enough capacity for 750,000 homes The company will add eight to 10 new wind farms in the Upper Midwest.

http://singularityhub.com/2016/09/05/3-big-trends-shaking-up-the-energy-industry/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SingularityHub+%28Singularity+Hub%29

3 Big Trends Shaking Up the Energy Industry We are at the cusp of an energy revolution. This post is a look at how three technologies — solar, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs) — are... read more

http://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/WCMSP-181861?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=

Free home energy efficiency visits, no-interest financing for recommended upgrades - City of... The City of Minneapolis is offering free home visits from energy-saving experts to income-qualified Minneapolis residents including renters. Join more than 9,000 households that have already benefitted from the program. Home Energy Squad visits bring energy efficiency experts to participants’ homes…

A study finds social pressure, rather than financial incentives, are a stronger motivator for saving energy. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/07/12/these-students-cut-their-energy-use-not-for-money-but-to-save-the-planet/

When it comes to saving energy, it’s really not all about the money “Yes, people can care about things other than monetary gain."

http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/blog/energy-saving-steps-small-businesses-lake-street-celebrated-recent-event?mc_cid=8b6f708a71&mc_eid=c344c57770 Metro CERT, in partnership with the Lake Street Council and Energy Smart, recently completed an "Energy Coaching" pilot project aimed at helping harder to reach businesses save energy. The pilot led to 84 energy assessments at small businesses along Lake Street in Minneapolis, 20 of which resulted in energy-saving work that will amount to over $24,000 of combined savings annually.

Energy-saving steps for small businesses on Lake Street celebrated at recent event | Clean...

http://www.groupraise.com/events/9624 Want to enjoy some "Planet Saving Pizza" on your day off? Come by 2917 Lyndale Ave S today between 11 AM and 11 PM and help support the U of M Energy Club in their mission to build discussion and learning about all aspects of building a cleaner and safer energy system ! Galactic Pizza will be generously donating 20% of their proceeds.

Commit to Eat at University of Minnesota Energy Club's GroupRaise Meal @ Galactic Pizza |...

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/how-the-utility-role-in-community-solar-is-evolving-as-the-sector-matures/410711/

How the utility role in community solar is evolving as the sector matures Everybody loves community solar, but just how the sector will mature will depend on how utilities and regulators approach the resource.

http://fresh-energy.org/2015/12/how-can-the-clean-energy-incentive-program-increase-low-income-energy-efficiency/?utm_source=MONTHLY%3A+Powering+Progress+%28for+mailings%29&utm_campaign=b6e1748943-Powering_Progress_No_12_December_12_17_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a5144544b0-b6e1748943-119676665

How can the Clean Energy Incentive Program increase low income energy efficiency? | Fresh Energy How can the Clean Energy Incentive Program increase low income energy efficiency?