Minnesota

Electrification

Meet Minnesota’s electric coffee roasting pioneers

Minneapolis-based Coffeewomple is one of the first U.S. roasters to use a commercial-scale electric coffee roaster, navigating higher costs for climate benefits.

By Dan Haugen .

5 August 2025

Two people stand next to a large piece of equipment with a funnel affixed to the top. — Coffeewomple founders Zach Whitney (left) and Nicole Bolea with their electric coffee roaster (Dan Haugen/Canary Media)

Solar

Minnesota community solar makes it past bipartisan attempt to end program

Lawmakers ditched language in the state energy bill that would have repealed its successful Community Solar Garden program after supporters rallied to save it.

By Alison F. Takemura . 23 June 2025
Clean energy

Melissa Hortman was a climate and clean energy champion for Minnesota

The former state House speaker, assassinated by a gunman Saturday, helped to pass some of the country’s most ambitious state clean energy policy.

By Frank Jossi . 19 June 2025
Solar

Minnesota bill could 'all but stop' rural small-scale solar installs

The legislation, which has enthusiastic support from rural electric cooperatives, would slash bill credits for future solar customers in much of the state.

By Brian Martucci . 25 April 2025
Heat pumps

For one Minnesotan, a new heat pump brings comfort and savings

Even in one of the coldest cities in the U.S., Kathy Palmer’s heat pump helps displace gas heating, lowers heating bills, and makes her home more comfortable.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 February 2025
Clean energy

Minneapolis tries to reset expectations for utility climate partnership

The City Council is about to approve new utility franchise agreements that include more specific targets for climate progress.

By Frank Jossi . 12 February 2025
ENN

Rural Minnesota counties work together to simplify clean energy development and maximize local benefits

A long-running local government collaboration in southwestern Minnesota is helping to insulate the region from the kind of controversies and misinformation that have plagued rural clean energy projects in other states.

By Frank Jossi . 9 January 2025
ENN

As utility shutoffs soar in Minnesota, Xcel Energy agrees to consumer protections and racial disparities study

Advocates support measures to address a growing number of involuntary shutoffs, enabled in part by smart meter deployment, but say a recent hearing didn't address racial equity directly.

By Frank Jossi . 13 December 2024
ENN

Hiring experts to testify in utility cases is expensive, but a Minnesota law is helping more groups participate

State lawmakers last year expanded a law that offers financial compensation to small nonprofits that provide expert testimony in public utility regulatory cases.

By Frank Jossi . 1 November 2024
ENN

Minnesota cities tap utility fees to help fund local clean energy and climate action

A Twin Cities suburb is among the latest cities looking to use utility franchise fees to help pay for climate and sustainability work, as many look to advance ambitious but underfunded targets.

By Frank Jossi . 17 October 2024
ENN

Minnesota advocates say their alternative to Xcel’s plan for new gas plants could save customers up to $3.5 billion

A coalition of clean energy organizations hired experts to model alternatives, and found adding a single gas plant alongside a mix of existing plants, energy storage, efficiency and demand response, and market purchases that could avoid the risk of stranded assets.

By Frank Jossi . 17 September 2024