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How can Minnesota implement its renewable energy and energy efficiency goals and mandates such that the competitiveness of our energy costs increases relative to other states?
The 2010 report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor presents the problems inherent in the current RDF structure and financing; a summary is included in the Chamber’s Energy Background.
Minnesota’s nation-leading commitment to renewable energy and conservation could be an opportunity for our state, but it isn’t guaranteed to be so. If economic development promised from Minnesota’s nation-leading investment in renewable energy is jeopardized by energy costs that become uncompetitive, the policy will have failed. Many companies, including “green” companies, rely on competitively priced energy as a key factor when making decisions to build new facilities or expand existing ones. To fulfill the promise of the legislation, all parties need to carefully implement the policies to ensure that the state’s economy stands to benefit, and that well-intentioned energy policy doesn’t hinder the state’s economy. Now that the Legislature has set its long-term policy goals, stakeholders – customers, utilities, policy-makers, regulators and environmental advocates – should work together to ensure they are met at the lowest possible cost to the economy.
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