Minnesota Power Advances Clean-Energy Future by Increasing Targets for Renewable Energy Resources Under Its EnergyForward Plan
November 07 2022 - 02:00PM
Business Wire
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will
review proposal negotiated with stakeholder groups during
Integrated Resource Plan proceedings during the next two weeks
Minnesota Power, a utility division of ALLETE Inc. (NYSE: ALE),
announced today it is advancing its EnergyForward plan by
significantly increasing the amount of renewable energy it provides
over the next 15 years, based on an agreement reached with
stakeholder groups, including clean energy organizations, labor and
host communities.
In a letter filed today with the Minnesota Public Utilities
Commission as part of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
proceedings, Minnesota Power said it will seek up to 400 megawatts
of wind energy and 300 megawatts of regional solar energy. That’s
nearly double what the company proposed in its initial Integrated
Resource Plan filing, which called for the company to add 200
megawatts of wind and 200 megawatts of solar as part of its
EnergyForward blueprint for achieving 100% carbon-free
energy by 2050.
“Before and during the state’s IRP process, we have prioritized
listening and taking feedback from customers, communities and
organizations that will benefit from our clean energy transition
for all,” said Minnesota Power Chief Operating Officer Josh
Skelton. “We are pleased that we could work with these stakeholders
to reach an agreement that allows us to continue on our path to a
carbon-free supply while also protecting safe and reliable energy
at competitive rates.”
Over the next two weeks, the Minnesota Public Utilities
Commission will consider the next steps in Minnesota Power’s
EnergyForward plan as it holds two hearings to discuss the
details of the company’s IRP. The Commission is expected to vote on
the IRP on Nov. 22, including the agreement reached on increasing
renewables.
If approved, under the agreement Minnesota Power will advance
storage projects that support investment in its renewable portfolio
and continue to evaluate the transition of Boswell Energy Center
(Boswell Unit 3 will cease coal operations by 2030). Other resource
considerations, including electric grid strengthening proposals
such as the MISO Long-Range Transmission Plan and a previously
approved natural gas power plant, have been deferred until future
regulatory filings.
Minnesota Power’s IRP outlines the steps needed over the next
decade to meet the energy needs of customers and reduce carbon
emissions by 80% by 2035 while:
- Protecting 24/7 reliability by ensuring adequate supplies of
energy and investing in a more resilient grid.
- Creating a just transition for the employees and communities
that have worked at and hosted power plants for decades, and for
the customers who are the most energy-dependent and
price-sensitive.
- Protecting the competitiveness of businesses in the region and
family pocketbooks by investing in resources and technology that
are economically sustainable.
- Continuing to invest in innovations that will achieve zero
carbon emissions from Minnesota Power’s energy supply by 2050.
“Our planning for a sustainable transformation requires a
flexible and dynamic approach. Since the filing of our IRP in
February 2021, there have been many exciting developments,
including the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, that support lowering the
cost of renewables,” Skelton said. “Minnesota Power has been
proactive and responsive with our commitment to climate, customers
and our communities that is driving our national leadership to
achieve a carbon-free supply of energy. Our EnergyForward
plan being considered by the Commission this month accomplishes
these goals in a way that reflects what is realistic today and what
is possible tomorrow as we meet our goal of providing safe,
reliable and affordable power to all customers.”
Minnesota Power provides electric service within a
26,000-square-mile area in northeastern Minnesota, supporting
comfort, security and quality of life for 145,000 customers, 14
municipalities and some of the largest industrial customers in the
United States. More information can be found at
www.mnpower.com.
The statements contained in this release and statements that
ALLETE may make orally in connection with this release that are not
historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Actual results
may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and
uncertainties and investors are directed to the risks discussed in
documents filed by ALLETE with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221107005993/en/
Amy Rutledge Director - Corporate Communications Minnesota
Power/ALLETE 218-723-7400 arutledge@mnpower.com
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