2023 Key Issues: Energy and sustainability
Ensuring policymakers understand the price businesses are paying for power and seek to maintain reliable and cost-effective power at competitive prices
The Minnesota Chamber supports transitioning to cleaner energy and more sustainable practices. Voluntary clean energy and sustainability plans from Minnesota utilities and businesses are leading the way toward a cleaner future.
Minnesota is making tremendous progress toward cleaner energy. The state’s electric supply is nearly 50% carbon-free today and – without any new mandates – projects to be over 66% carbon-free by 2030. At the same time, affordability has suffered. Since 2008, Minnesota’s commercial/industrial electric rates have risen 20 times more than the national average and are now the 13th highest in the country.
Ensuring balance between affordability, reliability and cleaner energy is key to making energy policy that advances Minnesota’s economy.
The Minnesota Chamber's Brian Cook testifies on a bill
mandating energy producers use only carbon-free sources to
generate electricity by 2040 during the 2023 session.
Return on investment for your Minnesota Chamber membership
Our work gets results
- Businesses saved $2,000 in energy costs per business taking advantage of Energy Smart program.
- Businesses saved $4,700 in average financial compensation for each business taking advantage of the Chamber’s Waste Wise program.
2023 priorities include:
- Ensure reliable, safe and cost-effective power at competitive prices.
- Support Minnesota businesses’ sustainability goals while keeping rates competitive.
- Encourage a balanced approach to grid modernization that achieves affordable, reliable and cleaner energy.
- Explore innovative pricing approaches for competitive electricity rates for C/I consumers.
- Reform the Public Utilities Commission and Department of Commerce regulatory and appointment process.
- Support and promote cost-effective energy efficiency opportunities throughout the state.
- Maintain existing nuclear facilities and explore the future of nuclear energy.
Make your voice heard
Make sure you're signed up for action alerts, join a policy committee or interact with legislators during 2023 Chamber Day at the Capitol! It's important for legislators to know how their actions impact Minnesota employers and employees.
