The GreenStep Workshops address a variety of topics related to GreenStep Cities best practices. Resources from the 2016-2017 workshop series – including PDFs of the workshop presentations and handouts – are available below. Continue reading »
The Better Energy Community is constantly growing and evolving.
Read about our latest projects and successes on our blog.
Great Northern Transmission Line Bringing Flexibility and Clean Energy to Northern Minnesota
December 29, 2016 in Energy Systems Author: Matt Prorok
With regulatory hurdles cleared at both the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and the U.S. Department of Energy, the Great Northern Transmission Line is set to connect Minnesota Power to Manitoba Hydro, across the U.S./Canadian border. The 224-mile, 500 kV transmission line will connect Minnesota Power transmission system in northern Minnesota to Manitoba Hydro’s grid. Continue reading »
As 2016 comes to a close, we’re taking a look back at what we’ve accomplished alongside our partners, stakeholders, and supporters over the last year. Continue reading »
The Great Plains Institute clan (and our projects) has grown a lot this year, and wow, have we been busy! We’re sure you have wondered, “What’s all the hustle and bustle over there?” This holiday letter is meant to celebrate some of our successes of the last year, so let’s look back: Continue reading »
Battery Tour Shows Minnesota Stakeholders a Cleaner, Quieter Future for the Electric System
December 19, 2016 in Energy Systems Author: Matt Prorok
In November, GPI organized a tour for Minnesota utilities and members of the Minnesota Energy Storage Alliance of Indianapolis Power & Light’s (IPL’s) Harding Street Station Battery Energy Storage System, or HSS BESS. The HSS BESS is a state-of-the-art, 20MW energy storage facility connected to IPL’s transmission system. Continue reading »
Michigan Legislature Finally Reaches Agreement on Energy Policy Package
December 16, 2016 in Energy Systems Author: Amanda Bilek
*This post is co-authored with Jamie Scripps of 5 Lakes Energy*
After nearly two years of hearings, countless substitute bills, and intense negotiations the Michigan legislature finally approved two pieces of legislation that overhaul and update Michigan’s energy policy. Continue reading »
e21 Initiative Issues New Report
December 9, 2016 in Energy Systems, Reports & Whitepapers Author: Doug Scott
The diverse set of e21 stakeholders have reached another milestone, concluding Phase II of their work with the release of three white papers addressing key issues in Minnesota’s energy future. The phase II report is intended as a cohesive package, with each white paper relating to and supporting the other three. Continue reading »
News Release: Minnesota’s e21 Initiative Releases Report on Framework for a 21st Century Electric System
December 8, 2016 in Energy Systems, News & Press
MINNEAPOLIS – The Great Plains Institute (GPI) and the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) released a new report today detailing additional steps for Minnesota to protect the public interest by taking full advantage of a cleaner electric system and more customer-centric utility regulatory framework. Continue reading »
The e21 Initiative developed its phase I report on a consensus basis; the ideas and recommendations in in the report were intended as a cohesive package to be taken together and supported as a whole by the e21 stakeholders. Consensus did not mean that each participant is equally enthusiastic about every idea, and, importantly, consensus did not require participants to give up their right to object to future implementation details. Continue reading »
Minnesota Solar Pathways Grant to Advance Solar Energy Progress
December 6, 2016 in Communities, Energy Systems Author: Brian Ross
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has been awarded a $2 million grant that will help realize Minnesota’s goal of generating 10 percent of its electricity from the sun by 2030. Continue reading »
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