Blog

There are many ways to tell the story of one of Minnesota’s most successful energy programs, called the Conservation Improvement Program or CIP. CEEM convened a recent legislator educational tour in Duluth. We were there to highlight that it’s cheaper to save energy (1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour) than buy energy (8 cents per kilowatt-hour). That little fact is at the heart of the CIP program, which works as a rebate program facilitated by our state’s utilities – like Minnesota Power or Xcel Energy, through the work provided by efficiency installers or design firms like LHB.

With ‘The Great Minnesota Get-Together’ and Labor Day behind us back to school season is in full swing. And, for high school students heading back to the classroom, this school year could be a pivotal time in selecting a future career path.

Connecting students with local professionals to observe career possibilities first-hand can make all the difference to youth looking for a fulfilling and successful career. For high growth clean energy jobs, which offer better than average wages and vast opportunities for advancement and growth, it is imperative to highlight these job opportunities to students in order to build a strong talent pipeline.

When most people hear the words ‘energy efficiency’ they might think of swapping out their light bulbs, or purchasing low-flow showerheads, little things they can do around their home or office to help lower their electricity bill.

CEEM, in partnership with the Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE) sought to help educate this traditional viewpoint recently at a tour we hosted with Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin) at Cedar Creek Energy in Coon Rapids.

Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) is seeking a Director, Policy and Public Affairs to serve as an advocate and liaison for the organization to key industry stakeholders, as well as, elected officials, community leaders, and policymakers. This individual will monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments on state and federal issues and communicate and advise on issue status and potential impact to the organization. Reporting directly to CEEM’s Executive Director, this person will be a strategic thinker who looks several moves ahead and develops and implements strategies to ensure CEEM’s organizational interests are advanced in legislation and regulatory policy work.

In the middle of a hot summer it’s easy to appreciate a well-functioning heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system -- one that doesn’t make you freeze at your desk, while simultaneously requiring your coworker down the hall to use a fan. Fortunately, technology makes this goldilocks situation easier to achieve, and nearly effortless to detect when a system needs attention.

Another benefit that you may not realize is that while improving occupant comfort, this technology can also reduce the energy used by the building.

While solar panels and windmills are the hallmark of the renewables sector, it’s people who are the face of the energy efficiency sector in Minnesota. Energy efficiency employs more than 49,000 Minnesotans and makes up 86% of the clean energy jobs in our state.

Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) and Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) are hosting business roundtables this summer with Minnesota’s candidates for governor. On July 18 we had the pleasure of hosting U.S. Congressman Tim Walz. 

Walz arrived at our meetings with a confidence in the power and importance of Minnesota’s clean energy industry. In fact, he noted that he believes the future belongs to those who harness clean energy and create jobs.

On July 18, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota (CEEM) and Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) hosted a business roundtable with DFL-endorsed candidate for Governor, Erin Murphy.

Murphy was an active listener, allowing each of the businesses the opportunity to share their perspectives on what is needed to further grow the industry. She also said she believes clean energy is the way forward for Minnesota, and intends to put that belief into action.

Energy storage is becoming an increasingly popular topic in the energy sector, but what exactly does it mean? And, more importantly, what does it mean for the future of the electric grid?

I am Mikaela Isaacson, and I am ecstatic to be Clean Energy Economy MN’s (CEEM) first Communications and Policy Intern. This position is at the intersection of my shared passions for communication and sustainability, making it a perfect fit for me!

Between now and June 11, the Minnesota Public Utility Commission is accepting public comments regarding the Freeborn Wind Farm’s Transmission Line Route Permit.

After a contentious three month legislative session, with long hours logged by those working in and for clean energy, the end of session came with a large question mark hanging over the work.

Here's a look at all of the legislation CEEM worked on this session. 

This week, the Minnesota House and Senate created a conference committee to work out the differences between the two versions of this year's omnibus supplemental budget bill. Just one week remains of this year's legislative session. 

This week, the Minnesota House and Senate moved this year’s major spending and policy bills forward, with the Senate taking up their version of the omnibus finance bill on the Senate floor on Thursday where it passed along party lines 34-31.

This week, the Minnesota House and Senate released their major funding and policy bills. These large bills, called “omnibus” bills, merge a number of smaller bills into one. 

With such large proposals, it’s often a balancing act between the good and the not so good provisions.

Last week, the legislature came back from a week-long spring recess. Upon returning to the Capitol lawmakers have just six weeks to finish all major bills before they are constitutionally mandated to adjourn in May.

CEEM outlines the top three most important things we're working on at the legilsature this week. 

 

Minnesota’s workforce shortage is a frequent topic of discussion. It’s a troubling issue that has the potential to squeeze quickly growing industries like clean energy.

The legislature is on recess this week for their annual Easter/Passover break. This spring recess gives legislators the chance to head back to their districts to catch up with constituents before returning to the Capitol for the final few weeks of session which is constitutionally mandated to adjourn sine die by May 21.

Clean Energy Economy Minnesota has successfully wrapped up our second annual Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol. This year we partnered with Wind on the Wires (WoW), Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA) and U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The 2018 Minnesota Legislative Session is in full swing at the Capitol. Two weeks into a short, 10-week session and the priority issue areas are starting to take shape.

Both the House and Senate energy committees have started meeting regularly, holding hearings on some of this year’s top issue areas. The first deadline we are focused on is March 22, in which bills introduced in either the House or Senate must receive a hearing in their house of origin in order to continue through the legislative process.