Minnesota Governor Unveils Plan to Achieve 100 Percent Carbon-Free Electricity by 2050

Democratic Governor Tim Walz announced a proposal that would require the state’s utilities to source all of their electricity from carbon-free resources by 2050, allowing them to set their own pace to meet the goal, according to a March 4 press release from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Under the plan, titled “One Minnesota Path to Clean Energy,” utilities that seek to replace or add new power generation would have to prioritize energy efficiency and clean energy resources over fossil fuels. The proposal puts Minnesota in line with California, Hawaii, Washington, and New York, which have set goals or committed to 100 percent clean energy.

Minnesota currently has a renewable portfolio standard of 26.5 percent by 2025. The state has experienced notable gains in renewable generation, including a 50 percent growth in solar generation from 2017 to 2018. Xcel Energy Inc., the state’s major utility, has already committed to carbon-free electricity by 2050.

The proposal would also raise the state’s energy efficiency resource standard for investor-owned electric utilities, expand conservation initiatives, and target more energy-saving assistance for low-income households.