FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 18, 2025
Joint Statement from CCSA, MnSEIA, Vote Solar, Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Community Power MN, and Solar United Neighbors on SF 2393:
ST. PAUL, MN —“As leading advocates for clean energy and community-driven solutions, we—CCSA, MnSEIA, Vote Solar, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, Community Power MN, and Solar United Neighbors—strongly oppose SF 2393, the Senate Energy Omnibus Bill, which would sunset Minnesota’s Low- to Moderate-Income Accessible (LMI) Community Solar Garden (CSG) Program in 2028.
This proposal would abruptly end a CSG program that is just getting started. Established in 2023, the LMI CSG program has only completed its first year of operation, with just a few megawatts of development online. Yet, the benefits are already clear. A 2024 Minnesota Department of Commerce (DoC) report found the program to be cost-effective, projecting $2.92 billion in net benefits over 40 years and monthly savings for LMI subscribers of $7–$10. The report also notes that LMI non-subscribing customers do not face increased rates because of the program, as the structure of the LMI CSG program protects them from any incurred costs.
Despite this, SF 2393 would eliminate 500 MW of planned community solar, slated to come online between 2028 and 2035. According to new analysis from CCSA, this would result in the loss of over 9,000 local jobs and a staggering $1.4 billion in economic activity for the state.
Make no mistake—this policy benefits only one stakeholder: Xcel Energy, the monopoly utility. No testimony at the Senate Energy Committee supported the CSG sunset provision. In contrast, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, CCSA, MnSEIA, Vote Solar, and others testified against it. The utility’s arguments ignore the fundamental fact that ratepayers already share in the costs of utility investments, while community solar uniquely expands access to clean energy savings for renters and LMI families.
Sunsetting the LMI CSG program is short-sighted, economically damaging, and counter to the state’s energy equity goals. We urge Minnesota lawmakers to reject this provision in SF 2393 and instead work to strengthen, not dismantle, a program delivering real economic and environmental value to Minnesotans across the state.”
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About CCSA: The Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) is a national trade association representing over 125 community solar developers, businesses, and nonprofits. Together, we are building the electric grid of the future where every customer has the freedom to support the generation of clean, local solar energy to power their lives. Through legislative and regulatory advocacy, and the support of a diverse coalition — including advocates for competition, clean energy, ratepayers, landowners, farmers, and environmental justice — we enable policies that unlock the potential of distributed energy resources, starting with community solar. For more information, visit www.communitysolaraccess.org.
About Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association (MnSEIA): MnSEIA is a member-driven 501(c)(6) nonprofit that promotes and protects Minnesota’s solar and energy storage industries. Representing over 165 member companies, we advocate in the state legislative and regulatory arenas in a unified and actionable way to move solar + storage forward. Find out more at www.mnseia.org.
About Vote Solar: Vote Solar is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to advance state-level policies that make solar and clean energy solutions accessible to all. Since 2002, Vote Solar has worked to build a just and equitable energy future by leveraging deep policy expertise, strategic partnerships, and public engagement. In the face of powerful opposition, Vote Solar champions bold solutions that expand clean energy access, drive investment in frontline communities, and accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy. Learn more at www.votesolar.org.
About Institute for Local Self-Reliance: The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) is a nonprofit research and educational organization that provides technical assistance and information on sustainable development issues to government agencies, citizen organizations, and industry. Since 1974, ILSR has researched the technical feasibility and commercial viability of environmentally sound, state-of-the-art technologies with a view to strengthening local economies. Read on here: www.ilsr.org.
About Community Power: Community Power is a coalition formed non-profit interested in expanding energy options for Minneapolis as well as cities and towns across Minnesota. We support local renewable energy, environmental justice, conservation + energy efficiency, and democratic control of our energy system. We are always seeking more community partners who are excited to co-develop strategy and engage a broader base of Minnesotans toward this vision. www.communitypowermn.org
About Solar United Neighbors: Solar United Neighbors is a national organization dedicated to representing the needs and interests of solar owners and clean energy supporters. www.solarunitedneighbors.org