Follow this new series that will feature GPI staff picks throughout the year. From podcasts to the latest analysis, you can check out what we’re interested in right now. Continue reading »
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New Paper Examines Regional Electricity Markets
November 27, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Franz Litz
As states have increasingly moved to implement state-specific energy policies, tensions have grown between these states and the regional wholesale electricity markets that serve them. Continue reading »
Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. For the past seven years, cities have been recognized at three step levels for taking and reporting action. In 2016, the program introduced Steps 4 and 5, which allow cities to measure and track the impact of their actions. The following includes highlights of what we have learned so far. Continue reading »
Please join me in welcoming GPI’s newest staff person, Jill Rook, who will be working as a program assistant with the fossil energy team. Jill brings a great deal of experience, including a Master’s of Science in Science Technology and Environmental policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Continue reading »
Utilities, Companies, and Local Governments Discuss Opportunities for Collaboration on EVs in Minnesota
November 20, 2017 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Katelyn Bocklund
Earlier this fall, the Great Plains Institute hosted our third annual Energy Innovation Celebration with a focus on “Solutions from the Ground Up.” Ahead of the big event, the Metro Clean Energy Resource Team, in collaboration with Drive Electric Minnesota, hosted a pre-workshop focused on electric vehicles (EVs). More importantly, the workshop invited conversations centered around collaboration among utilities, local governments, and corporations on how to increase EV adoption in Minnesota. While the workshop helped to confirm some things we already knew, it also brought forth new context from additional voices in the room. Continue reading »
Midcontinent Power Sector Collaborative Tours General Motors’ Battery Lab
November 18, 2017 in Transportation & Fuels Author: Katelyn Bocklund
As part of its September quarterly meeting, the Midcontinent Power Sector Collaborative (MPSC) had the unique opportunity to tour General Motors’ Battery Lab and learn about the power behind electric vehicles. Led by GM employee Douglas Drauch, the tour consisted of multiple stops including the Pack Lab, Cell & Module Lab, and Shaker Room. Continue reading »
Getting a Good Deal: Solar Garden Subscriptions for Local Governments
November 15, 2017 in Communities Author: Trevor Drake
Since its launch in 2014, Xcel Energy’s solar garden program in Minnesota has driven a growing conversation about solar energy options and opportunities, especially among local government staff and elected officials. Local governments are sought after as solar garden subscribers for their large and often stable electric loads, excellent credit scores, and interest in opportunities to reduce energy costs and meet public goals on clean energy. Continue reading »
Workshop Announced! Powering the Plains and Beyond: Energy Policy in America’s Heartland
November 12, 2017 in Energy Systems Author: Jill Syvrud
The Great Plains Institute is excited to announce a one-day workshop to be held in Austin, Texas on December 11, 2017. “Powering the Plains and Beyond: Energy Policy in America’s Heartland” will bring together experts, state officials, and stakeholders from across the Plains and beyond to explore energy developments and trends in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) region. Continue reading »
The November GreenStep Cities workshop focused on energy and climate data and action planning. After introductions by Great Plains Institute’s Abby Finis, Brian Ross, and Becky Alexander of LHB, covered Tools and Best Practices for Local Energy Planning (11:04).Then Alexis Troschinetz of Clean Energy Resource Team shared insights on community led bulk buys and opportunities in her presentation, Saving Watts and Drops Bulk Buys (1:14:15). The workshop concluded with a discussion of solar financing, by Peter Lindstrom (1:36:00). Continue reading »
Leaders Gather in Saint Paul to Discuss “Solutions from the Ground Up”
October 26, 2017 in Communities Author: Lola Schoenrich
Last month, leaders from local governments, businesses, and other organizations came together at GPI’s third annual Energy Innovation Celebration to discuss energy and climate “Solutions from the Ground Up.” Continue reading »
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