Policy Priorities

The Minnesota Legislative session ended in late May which entertained several big ticket energy proposals impacting the solar industry: many in a very positive light. Please read our recap of the legislative session and how MnSEIA worked to Move MN Solar Forward. Please inquire with us how you can help effect positive change for the solar industry in 2020 and going forward into our clean energy transition.       

MnSEIA is working to roll out a capacity credit during peak hours in Xcel Energy's Standby Service Tariff or in its PV rider for commercial and industrial solar systems over 40 Kilowatts. In addition, we will work to develop a proper long term methodology while the interim capacity credit is implemented, so our C&I solar members can utilize the capacity credit to grow their sector.

The Minnesota PUC devised a set of statewide Interconnection Standards in 2004, and recently reopened the matter to revise and update the standards with the FERC SGIP as a baseline. Technical Standards were also revised in this process, with recommendations set by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in 2019. MnSEIA represented the solar industry during two years of stakeholder workshops, and is glad to have participated in reshaping and streamlining our Interconnection Standards into the MN DIP.   

Several policy proposals are pending in the Minnesota Legislature in 2019, however, there is a magnifying glass on reforming our nation-leading Community Solar Garden program, which is administered primarily by Xcel Energy. This effort includes a focus on residential subscribers, low-income community access, resizing system caps, determining which counties's residents can benefit from the program, plus tariff pricing that keeps all parties competitive and successful. Our work centers on developing a Community Solar Program that maintains our national leadership and inspires other states presently creating their own programs. 

Our efforts include promoting a fair and accurate Value of Solar rate for Xcel Energy's Community Solar Garden subscribers that upholds values of transparency in the methodology used, enables efficient application processing, and provides business security for solar industry members who depend on fairness and stability to operate their businesses.  

Xcel Energy's Renewable*Connect program allows a customer to opt for a blend of solar and wind resources to meet average demand, on and off peak, in lieu of an installed system or community solar subscription. MnSEIA promotes transparency, fairness and effective application of the program, so its member businesses can play an active role in developing the solar resources necessary to meet customer demand.

On May 20, 2019, Xcel Energy announced that it plans to shut down all of its coal plants, start adding additional wind resources, and beginning in 2025, the utility intends to procure approximately 3,000MW of additional utility-scale solar. The news is another historic headliner from the same utility that announced a plan to be 100% clean energy by 2050. But what does Minnesota's Solar Association think about the announcement?