Recent, bold actions by some of Minnesota’s largest companies, many of which have a national or global presence, reveal a lot about the expected reliability and cost-savings of an increasingly carbon-free electric system in the Midwest and the nation. Continue reading »
Event Preview: An Expert Workshop for States and Stakeholders in the PJM Region
May 14, 2019 in Energy Systems, News & Press Author: Jill Syvrud
Join the Great Plains Institute and the Nicholas Institute at Duke University in Lexington, Kentucky on June 12, 2019, as we present an expert workshop for states and stakeholders to discuss important issues in the PJM region in 2019. Continue reading »
Stakeholders Find Common Ground on Minnesota Power Time-Varying Rate Options
April 30, 2019 in Energy Systems Author: Trevor Drake
A recent stakeholder engagement process facilitated by the e21 Initiative (which is co-convened by the Great Plains Institute and Center for Energy and Environment) in collaboration with Minnesota Power proves that stakeholders can find agreement on rate designs that seek to elicit customer, system, and environmental benefits. Continue reading »
How Should Xcel Energy’s Electric Utility Performance be Measured? Report Summarizes Initial Perspectives
April 13, 2019 in Energy Systems Author: Trevor Drake
A recent report summarizes initial stakeholder perspectives around what should be measured to assess Xcel Energy’s electric utility performance in the 21st century. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is accepting initial comments on this matter until May 6.
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e21 Forum Focuses on Integrated Systems Planning for a Decarbonized Electric System in Minnesota
March 4, 2019 in Energy Systems Authors: Jordana Palmer, Trevor Drake
Beginning in 2019, Minnesota’s three investor-owned utilities will file resource plans that will chart a path into a time period of significant change and opportunity. With nearly all the state’s power sector CO2 emissions coming from fossil-fuel plants that are retiring or potentially retiring in the next 20 years, the state has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a transformation towards decarbonized electricity generation. Continue reading »
How the 2019 Polar Vortex Helped Long-Term Renewable Energy Integration in the Midwest
March 1, 2019 in Energy Systems Author: Matt Prorok
At the end of January, the polar vortex brought bitter cold temperatures to the Upper Midwest of the United States. Some parts of northern Minnesota hit -45°F temperatures with wind chills down to -65°F. The record-setting low temperatures and frigid wind chills posed a safety and reliability threat to the region’s people and infrastructure alike. Continue reading »
GPI 20th Anniversary Leadership Interview Series: Vice President Doug Scott, Electricity and Efficiency
February 12, 2019 in Energy Systems Author: Gail Nosek
Over the last year, the Great Plains Institute (GPI) celebrated our 20th anniversary as an organization dedicated to transforming the energy system to benefit the economy and environment. As GPI staff, partners, and supporters reflect on the progress we’ve made together and look ahead to future opportunities for even greater impact in 2019 and beyond, we’re sharing a Q&A series we’ve created with our CEO and program leadership team. Continue reading »
GPI Staff Picks for Winter 2019: What We’re Reading, Listening To, and Watching
February 11, 2019 in Communities, Energy Systems Author: Jennifer Christensen
This is a regular blog series where GPI staff share picks throughout the year of what we’re interested in right now, from podcasts to analysis (click here for our previous picks).
System Design for a High-Renewables Future: Insights from the MN Solar Pathways Analysis
January 14, 2019 in Communities, Energy Systems Author: Brian Ross
If sunlight strikes a solar panel, but we don’t use the electricity generated, is it “wasted”? In some parts of the country, so much solar energy is produced at midday that there is no use for it. Demand for electricity has already been fully met by solar and other sources of generation; the value of additional electricity on the grid is actually negative. Continue reading »
Energy Storage: Reflecting on Progress and Finding New Opportunities
December 12, 2018 in Carbon Management, Energy Systems Author: Matt Prorok
2018 has been a big year for energy storage in the Midwest and across the country. Between the hundreds of megawatts (MW) that have been deployed and are now operational to the detailed policy work to enable the next wave of business models, there has been no shortage of work for energy storage wonks. Continue reading »
