| A critical battle for our energy future and the role of private equity in our essential services is playing out in northern Minnesota. And CURE, along with our allies, had a significant victory along the way to a final decision. |
ALLETE/Minnesota Power is the target of a proposed acquisition by powerful private equity interests, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP). GIP is owned by BlackRock (the largest asset manager in the world). CURE has opposed this takeover as bad for Minnesotans and their energy future.
This month an Administrative Law Judge recommended that the MN Public Utilities Commission (PUC) reject the sale citing risks to clean energy goals, financial stability, and ratepayer protections—calling the deal a net harm to the public interest. With this report in hand, the PUC will make its decision in early fall. For a deeper dive, read this Truthout article covering the deal.
The Upper Sioux Community and Minnesota Valley Co-op Light & Power Solar Dispute
The Upper Sioux Community (USC), near Granite Falls, is building a solar array to power its casino and hotel. However, Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light & Power (MN Valley) has threatened to disconnect the tribal enterprise from the grid, in a dispute with its large member-owner about how to interpret their agreements and Minnesota law. This dispute has escalated to the PUC. Read news coverage here.
After a hearing last week, the PUC determined: it has jurisdiction, agreed the issue merits investigation, referred specific questions to an Administrative Law Judge, and forwarded the utility’s disconnection threat to the Attorney General. See the news coverage. Read more: CURE’s comment the PUC and statement at the hearing.
Cooperatives are a powerful force for good in communities, but the success of co-ops relies on them living up to the Cooperative Principles. The rural energy future will require co-ops and their members to co-create an energy system that is clean, local, and democratic.
Don’t Miss Out on Electric Vehicle Tax Credits 🚗⚡️ Available Until September 30th!
As part of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” lawmakers have stripped away many of the tax credits that helped regular working people make their homes more comfortable and energy more affordable and lower their vehicle’s monthly fuel bills—all to give tax breaks to the ultra-wealthy.
There is still time to utilize these tax credits! If you purchase an Electric Vehicle by September 30th, you can get the $7500 tax credit for new EVs and $4000 tax credit for used EVs. Learn more here.
