ENERGY POLICY

Minnesota is approaching a dangerous crossroads in its ability to provide a reliable supply of electricity at competitive prices. Recent legislation increases conservation targets and mandates more investments in renewable energy. Even if these efforts are successful, we still need additional base-load electricity for businesses and households alike. Policy-makers must rethink the way Minnesota manages its electric and natural gas resources to address both the volume and quality of energy.

Polices should ensure that all options are available so our economic growth is not hindered by a lack of competitively priced, reliable electricity. In addition, a more effective regulatory process is needed so customers are assured that prices and quality approximate what a market would have done – and to specifically guard against business customer rates subsidizing residential customer rates.

2012 Legislative Priorities

Restructure electric rates to reflect the actual cost of service. At present, residential rates are heavily subsidized by business customers. This approach hurts the bottom line, is contrary to conservation efforts and seriously impedes Minnesota's ability to attract and retain business customers.

Provide more options for base-load power.

• Remove the ban on consideration of additional nuclear power.
• Repeal Minnesota’s prohibition on constructing, importing or purchasing generation which contributes to statewide power sector carbon emissions.

Make electric and gas rates as competitive as possible by, among other things, ensuring that rates reflect the cost of serving the customer.

Action Alerts

Click here to send action alerts as these issues advance at the Legislature.
Click here for Legislative Updates.
Click here to track priority legislation being lobbied at the Capitol.

Chair: Pat Becker, Ingersoll Rand
Staff: Ben Gerber, (651) 292-4663, bgerber@mnchamber.com, Twitter @MCC_bgerber

LINKS
» Base Load » Regulatory Reform » Renewable Energy & Conservation

» Energy Matters Minnesota 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.
» The Minnesota Chamber routinely represents business customers in cases before the Public Utilities Commission. Click here for our activity.

» State Agencies
» State Legislature
» Click here to learn more about your elected officials.