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A reliable and affordable supply of electricity is critical to all businesses regardless of industry, size or location. That can be accomplished by increasing conservation, base-load generation and transmission system capacity.

Electricity is a significant operating cost for Minnesota businesses. In 2006, Minnesotans spent $4.66 billion on electricity with the state's commercial/industrial customers accounting for $2.75 billion. 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.

Climate change legislation with mandates to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is the driving force in energy policy conversation. The Minnesota Chamber's primary focus in 2008 was on the cap-and-trade bill that eventually became a study which we supported. Next year promises to be an active year at the Capitol with the report due of the Governor's regional greenhouse gas initiative as well as potential federal legislation regulating emissions.

Protect Environment and Economy

Energy and environmental policies promise to be generate debate at the 2009 Legislature. Yet Minnesotans remain largely in the dark on the long-term implications of many of these initiatives on their jobs and pocketbooks.

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, led by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, 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 http://www.energymattersmn.org/. Contribute to the debate by visiting the Inside Energy blog at http://www.insideenergy.blogspot.com/

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