Activists optimistic about new utility partnership in Minneapolis

Above: Activist John Kolstad

There is peace in the battle over municipal energy -- for now.

Environmental activists who pushed the city to consider taking over its energy and gas utilities last year didn't achieve their ultimate goal, but were optimistic Monday that a new partnership would help the city reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The partnership between the city, Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy came in conjunction with initial committee passage of a new, 10-year franchise agreement with the utilities. That agreement, subject to full council approval next week, was last negotiated 20 years ago.

The partnership creates a new public-private board with representatives from the city, Xcel and CenterPoint that will develop plans for the city to reduce its carbon footprint. Minneapolis has a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent in 2025 and 80 percent in 2050 – from 2006 levels -- as well as making energy "reliable, local, affordable and clean".

Deputy City Coordinator Jay Stroebel told the health, environment and community engagement committee that some areas the board may address include: establishing an energy efficiency program for higher-occupancy dwellings, implementing a community solar garden program, exploring new renewable energy options for city facilities, studying underground transmission lines and installing LED streetlights.

Activists were pleased with the new partnership, but said they would be watching closely for progress.

Former Mayoral Candidate "Papa" John Kolstad said he would cautiously support the agreement.

"I'm skeptical," Kolstad said. "Yet, [Xcel], with all of its resources – like our ratepayers funds that they get and their in-place organization and structure – can move more quickly to alternative kinds of energy and low generation and usage."

But, he warned, "If the private utilities do not achieve our goals in a timely manner, either because they can't or because they won't, then it will be clear that we must form our own public utility and do it collectively ourselves."

George Crocker, executive director of the North American Water Office in Lake Elmo, said the partnership could break the pattern of corporations and regulators guarding the existing energy system "even when our planet dissolves while it crashes and burns."

"We understand in detail the misbehaviors that allow power company managers maintain their privilege and continue the abuse," Crocker said. "And we know how easy it would be for this partnership to turn into a quarterly meeting for coffee. We will not let that happen."