Minnesota Utilities Meet Renewable Energy Standards for 2014

Strategic Insights -

Utilities in Minnesota have met the state's renewable energy standards for 2014, with 14.8 percent of total retail sales coming from renewable energy sources. According to a report by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DOC), utilities have complied with the 2014 Renewable Energy Standard (RES) requirement. The report highlights the efforts of various utilities in meeting the state's renewable energy targets, which include requirements for utilities other than Xcel Energy to obtain at least 12 percent of their Minnesota 2014 retail sales from renewable energy sources and Xcel Energy to obtain 18 percent of its 2014 retail sales from renewable energy sources.

Key Takeaways:

  • Utilities in Minnesota have met the state's 2014 renewable energy standards, with 14.8 percent of total retail sales coming from renewable energy sources.
  • The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DOC), reviewed filings from 17 utilities and verified that they have complied with the 2014 RES requirement.
  • Utilities have made significant progress in meeting the state's renewable energy targets, with some utilities exceeding the required levels.
  • The report highlights the importance of renewable energy in meeting the state's energy needs and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
  • The DOC is available to answer any questions the Commission may have regarding the report and the utilities' compliance with the 2014 RES requirement.

Statistics:

  • 14.8 percent of total Minnesota retail sales in 2014 came from renewable energy sources.
  • 17 utilities filed compliance reports with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DOC).
  • Utilities other than Xcel Energy obtained at least 12 percent of their Minnesota 2014 retail sales from renewable energy sources.
  • Xcel Energy obtained 18 percent of its 2014 retail sales from renewable energy sources.
  • The report details the complying utilities as follows:

* Basin Electric Cooperative

* Central Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

* Dairyland Power Cooperative

* East River Electric Power Cooperative

* Great River Energy

* Heartland Consumers Power District

* Interstate Power and Light

* L&O Power Cooperative

* Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

* Minnesota Power

* Minnkota Power Cooperative

* Missouri River Energy Services

* Northwestern Wisconsin Electric Company

* Otter Tail Power Company

* Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency

* Xcel Energy

Sources:

  • Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DOC)
  • Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
  • Minn. Stat. § 216B.1691
  • April 17, 2015 Notice of Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Retirement Process for Renewable Energy Standards and Green Pricing Programs