Recent content from Walker Orenstein
Minnesota wants to be carbon-free by 2040, but it still hasn't decided what that means
The Public Utilities Commission must decide what counts as carbon-free as utilities move to a clean grid.
PUC approves Xcel plan to replace retiring Minnesota coal plant with mega solar farm
Utility regulators on Thursday granted a key permit for the third large Xcel solar project in Becker, the last in a trio that together will be one of the country's largest farms. The power will help replace the outgoing Sherco coal plant.
A million gallons of coal ash wastewater spills at Minnesota Power coal plant
The Duluth-based electric utility said an unknown amount of polluted water had reached a nearby lake after a pipe leaked.
Minnesota dams mostly held up in June flooding, but old structures need repair
The Rapidan Dam near Mankato drew a national spotlight to what is a common problem in the state: old and creaky dams that are costly to fix, replace or remove.
Minnesota Power parent company explored sale starting in 2022 ahead of $6.2 billion deal
That revelation and others — like how the company CEO would cash in on the sale — came as part of disclosures ahead of an August stockholder vote to take Allete private.
Bridge next to Rapidan Dam at risk of failure a week after major flooding
Blue Earth County attempted an emergency operation to stabilize the bridge last week.
Xcel agrees to smaller Minnesota gas rate hike in deal for 7.5% increase
A settlement with state officials and others would result in an extra $4.20 per month on the bills of residential customers if utility regulators approve. The money would partly pay for maintenance and upgrades to Xcel's gas distribution and transmission infrastructure.
Xcel seeks $1.9 billion from Colorado customers to fund wildfire mitigation after 2021 blaze
The Minneapolis-based company is facing an onslaught of lawsuits from two destructive fires in Colorado and Texas. The plan would raise residential bills in Colorado by 9.56% but would not affect Minnesota rates.
House collapses into river near Rapidan Dam in southern Minn.
Blue Earth County authorities "monitoring for downstream impacts" after house falls into water.
The Rapidan Dam near Mankato will likely survive this flood. But what about the next?
Destructive flooding in 2019 and 2020 had previously left the 114-year-old hydroelectric plant inoperable and county officials grappling with the choice of spending at least $15 million to repair it — with little hope of making enough money from selling power — or shelling out $82 million to remove it.
Dam near Mankato in danger of 'imminent failure'
Flooding has washed out a portion of the Rapidan Dam on the Blue Earth River, as the water continues to rise.
Minnesota unions won new labor rules for broadband. Will it slow $652 million for rural access?
A volatile rift over proposed wage and safety rules as unions pushed for higher standards made the telecom industry warn Minnesota would lose out on once-in-a-generation funding for fast internet in rural areas. What passed has raised its own debate.
Utility regulators hosted annual conference in Minneapolis with money from entities they oversee
The Mid-America Regulatory Conference raises questions about the ethics of soliciting money from companies and interest groups the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates.
Corn-sugar chemical plant in Minnesota lands $213 million federal loan
Texas-based Solugen aims to build a large manufacturing plant in Marshall, Minn., for turning corn sugar into chemicals usually made from petroleum.
With 'outdated' electric grid, major new rule with Midwest ties could boost renewables
In Minneapolis, FERC Commissioner Allison Clements promoted a significant new federal rule that could be a part of a needed grid overhaul.
Customers or shareholders: Xcel, state divided on who should pay for Prairie Island outage
The nuclear plant was down for more than 100 days starting in October after workers accidentally cut underground cables, and the cost to buy replacement energy on the open market in 2023 was more than $23 million.
As U.S. Steel opens new Iron Range taconite facility, its potential foreign sale looms
Japan's Nippon Steel plans to acquire the company pending regulatory approval, but the transaction, announced in December 2023, has drawn national security and supply chain concerns.
Embroiled in lawsuits from wildfires, Xcel faces tradeoffs of safety vs. cost
Xcel's equipment has allegedly been a source for blazes in Colorado and Texas, but the public utility is one of many grappling with tough questions of how to prevent such disasters.
Minnesotans find Xcel's dynamic pricing plan too aggressive, not worth energy savings
"Time-of-use" electric rates — like a surcharge during busy hours for rideshares — is becoming more common in the U.S., but consumers, state officials and nonprofit advocates don't feel the two-year pilot program proved the rates work.
DFL resolves division on permitting and community solar credits in energy legislation
Despite late-session negotiations, energy legislation passed without any major upheaval.
World's largest asset manager behind Duluth energy company Allete's $6.2B sale
BlackRock is buying Global Infrastructure Partners, which would be the majority owner of Allete if regulators approve the deal. That has raised some eyebrows among consumer advocates.
At last minute, House DFLers quietly push to overturn major ruling on community solar
The effort brings up an acrimonious debate over the costs and benefits of community solar, and could threaten legislation meant to cut red tape for clean energy development.
PUC wants buyers of Duluth energy company Allete to clarify local workforce commitment
Global Infrastructure Partners and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board appeared before the Public Utilities Commission on Thursday to discuss their $6.2 billion deal.
Balls, orbs or neurons: The pioneering tech helping Great River Energy manage transmission lines
A small sphere Norway's Heimdall Power created aims to free up space and reduce congestion, potentially eliminating the need for new infrastructure.
Duluth electric utility owner Allete to go private after $6.2 billion sale
A Canadian pension board and an investment fund partnered to buy the company, which will keep its headquarters in Minnesota.
Minnesota Power agrees to smaller bill increase for customers in settlement
If utility regulators approve the deal with state officials, residential customers' electric rates would increase 4.9% instead of the originally posed 12%.
Minnesota DFL wants faster clean energy permits, but some are wary of shortcutting public input
Lawmakers promise an effort to cut red tape for clean power won't result in meaningfully less oversight or public involvement.
Xcel profits after job cuts, but Texas wildfire costs could be 'adverse'
The Minneapolis-based utility says it wasn't negligent in maintaining a wooden utility pole that was a source of the Smokehouse Creek Fire, but if it's found liable, costs could exceed $500 million in insurance coverage.
Xcel's proposed automatic bill credit could save low-income households in Minnesota $450 a year
The company would enroll people in certain census areas based on income metrics and energy bills to help make energy costs just 4% of the household's income.
How to solar power your home to lower your carbon footprint
There are more options for boosting solar power at home than you might think, including installing rooftop solar, subscribing to a community garden or simply paying extra to your utility.
Xcel drops rate fight, which will keep Minnesota utility bills cheaper
It also abruptly ended a long-running and unusually bitter split between the company and Public Utilities Commission about the "return on equity" rate.
Minnesota House drops 'franchise fees' on internet providers that would have hiked bills
Supporters said the policy would improve broadband access and help fund government access programming, but telecom groups lobbied against the plan.
Cause of Xcel's Prairie Island nuclear outage: Workers drilled through cables
Xcel Energy initially pinpointed the cause of a lengthy outage at its Prairie Island nuclear power plant as an equipment issue.
Xcel, UND say Midwest hydrogen 'hub' at risk from tax credit rules
A $1 billion federal grant could be in limbo in part because of limits on when companies can receive a hydrogen production tax credit for using nuclear and wind to create hydrogen.
Legislators scramble to create tax, environmental plan for Minnesota's first helium operation
State and local officials fear Canadian-based Pulsar could move ahead with its northeastern Minnesota project and use gas from under state land without paying royalties.
Minnesota EV sales rose last year, widespread adoption still far off
While electric vehicles will be a talking point at the Twin Cities Auto Show, the segment has a long way to go.
Some Minnesota cities want to impose fees on internet providers; customers could pay the price
Those fees would go toward improving rural broadband connectivity, increasing access to government media and offering consumer protections.
Minnesota utilities hope surge of big-scale batteries helps transition to clean energy
A state study released this month says the batteries are a necessary piece of plans to be carbon-free by 2040.
Minnesota appeals court dismisses Mesabi lawsuit over Nashwauk mineral leases
The DNR revoked leases from Mesabi Metallics in 2021 after the company missed its latest deadline in pursuing a long-delayed taconite mine and partly built processing plant.
A new plan for Midwest power lines could cost $23 billion. Is it enough?
Some experts have called a colossal new proposal for more than a dozen power lines in the region sparse.
Xcel's Prairie Island nuclear plant returns after lengthy outage drew questions
State officials had asked the energy company to provide a detailed explanation for when the power plant could be running again.
Lab results show significant helium levels at drill site that would be Minnesota's first
One firm advising the Canadian company Pulsar Helium said it was the highest concentration of the gas it had ever seen.
Minnesota GOP bill would prevent municipalities from banning gas stoves, heating
There don't appear to be any local bans in the works, but the idea to prevent regulations has drawn support from home industry and was heard by a DFL-led committee on Wednesday.
Can geothermal heat a south Minneapolis community hub?
Center leaders want to replace their 'Thelma & Louise' gas boilers with a geothermal system that would cost a total of $21 million as part of the idea of making it a "resilience hub."
Utility regulators approve Great River plan that aims for 90% carbon-free power by 2035
The Maple Grove-based cooperative has a deal to reduce coal power it buys from a North Dakota plant and wants to add wind, solar and battery power. The Sierra Club opposed the plan.
Xcel admits its equipment helped spark historic Texas wildfire
The Smokehouse Creek fire has burned more than 1 million acres across the Texas Panhandle.
Xcel says big reason it needs to spend millions on new projects is regional grid's reliability risks
Minnesota needs to be ready with its own electricity sources, especially as severe weather hits more often.
Twin Cities office janitors kick off strike with pickets
"Week of action" planned as janitors, nursing home staff, teachers and others converge.
Person wounded in stabbing on Green Line light rail in St. Paul
The victim was treated for the injuries, and a suspect was arrested. The stabbing comes as Metro Transit works on improving light-rail safety.
Body found in St. Croix River at Hudson, Wis., park
Hudson police said they recovered the body in the water after being dispatched to the area of Lakefront Park around 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Man dead after being found with gunshot wounds in south Minneapolis, police say
Homicide detectives are investigating the case.
Xcel stock falls after insurers allege utility's equipment is linked to large Texas wildfire
The Minneapolis-based company said it received a letter from a law firm representing property insurers aiming to notify Xcel had it "potential exposure for damages" from the Smokehouse Creek fire.
Minnesota Commerce official leaves for nonprofit in wake of conflict of interest complaints
The concerns raised by staff were tied to Louise Miltich's marriage to a solar industry lobbyist. Agency leaders said there was no conflict based on state law and policy.
Star Tribune hires Daily Beast manager as senior VP of consumer growth
Mary Mayer comes to the paper from the Daily Beast, where she built a subscription system for the national news site.
Helium is hiding below northern Minnesota. It could help fuel space exploration and medical tech.
Drillers looking for platinum and palladium stumbled on what may be a major helium reservoir in Minnesota. It is a sought-after commodity.
Xcel sells Becker land to Microsoft for data center, as it predicts major rise in energy demands
In a new long-range plan, Xcel predicted what amounts to a one-third spike in energy demand by 2040, a remarkable split from earlier estimates but one that mirrors national trends.
Minnesota regulators cut community solar bill credits to save money for Xcel customers
The decision is estimated to save roughly $40 million a year for ratepayers, but was fiercely contested by solar garden operators and subscribers, including many local governments and schools who will lose expected savings.
Polaris snowmobile rider, company charged after Alaska collision that killed 3 sled dogs
Alaska State Troopers said the man and Polaris have been charged with a single charge of reckless driving.
Xcel asks for more nuclear waste storage to operate Prairie Island until 2050s
Keeping the plant open an extra 20 years is a crucial part of Xcel's plan for a carbon-free energy grid, but its waste storage on the banks of the Mississippi River has drawn controversy.
Xcel plans higher electric rates during peak evening hours
The company tested the idea and says it could ease pressure on the electric grid and help it better use renewables. But one expert says Xcel's proposed rates are a "blunder waiting to happen."
Xcel Energy wants to extend life of Prairie Island nuclear facility, add two gas plants
The company's latest blueprint for generating electricity will be scrutinized by state regulators and outside groups as Xcel seeks to meet Minnesota's carbon-free law.
A pipeline for cow gas draws environmental support, ag concentration concerns
The PUC met at a bar in Benson, Minn., on Tuesday evening to hear citizen feedback on a plan to pump and sell biogas that could generate green energy.
Cliffs CEO lashes out at U.S. Steel in first major comments on Nippon deal
In fiery comments, Lourenco Goncalves said his company is the better choice for labor as he pressured the administration to block the $14.1 billion megadeal with Nippon of Japan.
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Proposal would cut red tape so clean energy projects can be built faster in Minnesota
A potentially influential state task force, to move forward the 2040 carbon-free pledge, recommends a number of changes to the permitting process, but "prime farmland" rule likely to stay.
Xcel's profits hit by expenses related to 550 job cuts
The Minneapolis-based company said hundreds of workers took retirement under a voluntary program and non-union cuts.
A community solar plan would save Xcel customers money — but cost some cities and schools millions
Minnesota regulators are considering the plan that would reduce the amount of credits subscribers to these solar arrays receive.
Charging your electric vehicle is half the battle. Take these steps to make your home EV ready.
What the experts say about the cost and logistics of readying your house with one of the two types of electric vehicle chargers.
Conflict of interest complaints filed against Minnesota Commerce official over solar ties
Louise Miltich, who oversees a team analyzing the community solar program as an assistant commissioner, is married to a prominent solar industry lobbyist.
Walz appoints career regulator for seat on Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Hwikwon Ham will join a five-member board that plays a key role in overseeing utilities and Minnesota's shift away from fossil fuels.
Minnesotans take big hits on non-negotiable bills like electricity, insurance
While commodities inflation has declined, services inflation has remained stubborn.
Minnesota utility regulators approve refunds averaging $25 for Xcel residential customers
In total, the company will dole out nearly $187 million in the form of one-time bill credits as the result of a rate case.
Xcel closing first unit at Sherco coal plant, a milestone in energy transition
The closure brings a measure of uncertainty for plant workers, surrounding communities and Xcel itself. It's also a cause for celebration among clean energy advocates.
Red Lake joins a small club: Minnesota school districts with e-buses
The northern Minnesota district, like others in the state, needed a grant because the e-buses are expensive. Other districts say there also are some infrastructural barriers.
$14B U.S. Steel deal with Nippon will have impacts for Iron Range
The United Steelworkers union, which had backed a deal with Cleveland-Cliffs, has come out against the new deal. U.S. Steel owns MinnTac and Keetac and has a stake in Hibbing Taconite.
Three sled dogs killed in Alaska crash with Polaris snowmobile test driver
No humans were hurt, but two other dogs were also injured in the crash, according to the Alaska State Troopers.
