Recent content from Walker Orenstein
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.
CenterPoint rate hikes OK'd for 2024
The 5.3% increase is considered a temporary rate increase while the PUC investigates whether to approve a larger rate hike CenterPoint proposed in November.
Minnesota regulators will not investigate Xcel on community solar restrictions
The state Public Utilities Commission on a 4-0 vote opted against stepping in when Xcel says the policy is needed for system safety.
Regulators grant higher energy rates for Xcel gas, Minnesota Power for 2024
In November, both utilities asked for larger rate increases, but the state Public Utilities Commission typically grants interim rates while scrutinizing the overall request.
Owner of Duluth utility Minnesota Power exploring sale, report says
No deal is certain for Duluth-based Allete, which said it wouldn't comment on rumors or speculation.
FCC denies appeal on grants for embattled LTD Broadband, proposes $22 million penalty
The agency upheld its decision to block the beleaguered telecom company from using $1.3 billion to build high-speed internet infrastructure across the country, including $311 million in Minnesota.
Solar panel company Heliene expands Iron Range plant
Heliene, which announced plans for a new Twin Cities site earlier this year, has been growing amid demand for domestic solar equipment.
Ford, Xcel partner on commercial EV chargers, just not in Minnesota yet
The program would begin in Wisconsin and Colorado in 2024 but could eventually expand to Minnesota.
Xcel's president for Minnesota operations is retiring
Chris Clark has held the prominent leadership role since 2015, a period of massive change in the energy industry as utilities across the country started taking bigger steps away from fossil fuels as a response to climate change.
Predictions of soaring costs spark debate over Minnesota's community solar program
Xcel forecast the overall program cost to rise to $329 million in 2024, which would mean a significant price hike for the utility's customers.
Constance Freeman, a force in economic development in Africa and daughter of a Minn. governor, dies at 78
Freeman steered through coups, corruption, war and economic turbulence during stints with the Peace Corps and State Department and on Capitol Hill.
Xcel's Prairie Island nuclear plant will be out of commission until January
An equipment issue at the Prairie Island plant near Red Wing hasn't impacted electric service, but it could lead to higher fuel costs that are passed down to Xcel's customers on their monthly bills.
Minnesota regulators suspend crucial designation for controversial LTD Broadband
The PUC decision would block federal infrastructure money for rural broadband — at least temporarily — from going to the company.
Price for huge Xcel transmission line more than doubles to $1.14B
The increase reflects rising costs in the energy sector that have hit prominent projects across the state and country but also other factors such as a longer route.
'Disappointment' over Xcel's new policy restricting small solar
Xcel says a new grid management policy is necessary for safety and reliability, but others say the standard is illegal and want it investigated.
Great River Energy adding fuel oil capacity to Cambridge gas plant to use during big weather events
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the project, which the utility says would help deliver reliable or cheaper power during winter storms like the February 2021 disaster in Texas.
Xcel unveils $45M EV rollout plan after scrapping much larger proposal
Xcel said it wants greater consensus on how to support more public EV charging infrastructure after an idea to build and operate 730 high-speed charging stations drew sharp criticism.
Minnesota Power wants to increase electric rates by another 12%
The request comes after the utility was granted in January a 9.5% increase that was smaller than it wanted.
CenterPoint, Xcel want to raise gas rates by more than 9%
The requests filed with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission say the higher rates are needed to pay for infrastructure costs and cover inflation.
Xcel revives Minneapolis 'resilience hubs' idea with federal funding
The Minnesota utility company is poised to restart an effort aimed at building more energy safeguards into lower-income neighborhoods of the city.
Xcel still pushing for higher rates in Minnesota despite regulator rejection
Xcel narrowed its financial forecast for the rest of the year.
Minnesota regulators OK rare fund to decommission new Enbridge pipeline
A compromise between Enbridge and the Department of Commerce will require the oil company to pay more than $61 million a year into a decommissioning fund until 2041.
