Minnesota faces a shortage of base-load power which is critical to maintaining a vital economy. A reliable and affordable supply of electricity is important to all businesses regardless of industry, size or location. That can be accomplished by increasing conservation, base-load generation and transmission system capacity.

Minnesota ratepayers have begun to pay significantly more for electricity. Statewide average electricity rates typically mask high rates paid by many business customers. Although Minnesota's commercial rates appear to be low relative to national averages, rates vary substantially based on which utility provides the service and where the customer is located.

Energy Matters Minnesota is a diverse group of businesses and business-focused organizations in Minnesota that want to be informed about the impact of energy policies and emerging energy issues on businesses, consumers and the state economy. The organization also serves as a public information resource to individuals and organizations and is an advocate on energy issues. Become educated and become involved by visiting www.energymattersmn.org. Contribute to the debate by visiting the Inside Energy blog at www.insideenergy.blogspot.com.

2010 Legislative Priorities

The ban on additional nuclear power should be removed. Eliminating this gag rule that prevents regulators from even talking about nuclear energy reached votes in 2009 on both the House and Senate floors, thanks to a broad-based coalition of business and labor. The measure passed the Senate but failed in the House, and was not included in the conference committee report.

Chair: John Rohlf, Medtronic
Staff: Mike Franklin, (651) 292-4661, mfranklin@mnchamber.com

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