Clean power generation is the foundation of a carbon-free electricity supply. As the energy transition continues and we electrify everything that we can—like home heating, transportation, and more—it’s crucial that the electricity we’re using comes from carbon-free and renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

All Minnesotans can play a role in pushing the state toward a clean energy future by taking individual action and by engaging with public utilities.

 

Individual Actions for Clean Power

Install Solar

Install rooftop or ground-mounted solar arrays at your home or business. In Minnesota, systems generally pay for themselves in eight to 10 years.

Subscribe to Solar

Community solar programs allow you to subscribe to a portion of a solar garden and receive credits for that power on your electric bill.

Opt in to a green tariff (aka renewable electricity program)

Green tariffs are utility programs that allow customers to choose clean energy instead of the utility’s standard fuel mix, usually for a small premium above standard electric service.

Avoid the peak

The heaviest electric use occurs between 3 and 8 p.m. If you avoid these peak times, such as by using your programmable thermostat or the “delay start” function on home appliances, you’ll help prevent use of the dirtiest power sources and demonstrate to your utility that we don’t need more fossil power plants. Many utilities have special “time of use” rates with low offpeak electricity costs, so you can save money too!

Learn more about these options!

Engage with Public Utilities

A large part of our state’s electricity future is dependent upon the plans and choices made by our major public utilities like Xcel Energy, Great River Energy, Minnesota Power, and Ottertail Power. Minnesotans can influence public utilities’ plans for clean electricity by engaging in Integrated Resource Planning. Why is Integrated Resource Planning important? Check out this explainer blog post.

 

At any given time, there can be multiple Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) dockets underway at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Some IRPs can take more than 12 months and progress through multiple rounds of public, expert, and utility feedback. When public feedback is being accepted, Fresh Energy creates an online portal to help Minnesotans engage. Stay tuned to this page for future opportunities to plug into an IRP process.