Nearly 2 million Minnesotans are member-owners of electric co-ops. But these co-ops are burdened by debt from outdated coal power plants and produce some of the most carbon-intensive electricity. Cleaning up rural power means decarbonizing electric co-ops. CURE’s efforts have led to the creation of New ERA and secured a historic $9.7 billion in funding to help co-ops transition to a clean energy future. CURE continues to lead the way through federal advocacy, national coalition building, and member-owner organizing, striving for a future powered by clean, reliable, and affordable public power.
CURE leads the way on New ERA & PACE legislation
REC Resources
Policy Work
CURE works with rural electric cooperatives across the state to encourage the transition to renewable energy and provide energy-saving measures for member-owners. This support includes assisting rural electric cooperatives in accessing federal funding, like the New ERA program funded in the Inflation Reduction Act, to accelerate the transition to renewables. Should cooperatives fail to uphold their cooperative principles or act against member-owners’ interests, CURE will speak up—whether that’s at the Public Utilities Commission or the Legislature.
Member-Owner Work
CURE believes in the transformative power of people who care about their communities—and engaged member-owners can create stronger electric co-ops. Since their formation, electric cooperatives have been governed by a board of directors elected by the member-owners—a practice that is the bedrock of cooperative democratic principles. CURE has been instrumental in helping member-owners across the state organize and run for director seats, driving the movement towards more democratic and sustainable rural energy systems. Together, we’re not just building power – we’re transforming it for a brighter, greener future.
