Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
Helped Minnesota set standards for bird and pollinator-friendly solar, with more than 2,300 acres planted (equivalent to more than 1.4 million six foot by 12 foot backyard pollinator gardens).
Helped establish MNCharging.org. Electric car owners now have a new go-to source to learn how to charge their vehicle, including all-renewable options.
Supported wind. Minnesota law removes red tape for repowering wind turbine sites.
Improved industrial options. State law is clarified to allow combined heat and power systems that reduce emissions.
Expanded energy news. Fresh Energy launches original reporting in southeast states, providing new independent journalism on the transition to clean energy and building on the success of Midwest Energy News.
Solar is booming. Minnesota’s solar market is poised to complete a ten-fold increase from less than 50 megawatts at the beginning of 2016 to a projected 500 megawatts by the end of 2017.
Current Goals
Reduce reliance on coal and other fossil fuels
Boost energy efficiency and savings
Reduce energy use in built environment
Increase energy savings in multifamily housing units
Increase the amount of renewables in the energy system
Help speed transition to clean electricity transportation
Provide journalistic coverage of state energy issues
Community or Constituency Served
Fresh Energy’s work benefits the health and prosperity of communities throughout Minnesota. Minnesota’s practical and forward thinking energy policy regularly serves as a model for other states to adopt similar laws to benefit their communities.
Geographic Area Served
Midwest
