Minnesota Power reveals 15-year plan for 90% renewable energy by 2035

St. Louis County residents can expect significant advancements in renewable energy and infrastructure following a recent presentation by Minnesota Power at the St. Louis County Board Meeting on March 11, 2025. The utility company outlined its ambitious Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which aims to transition to 90% renewable energy by 2035 while phasing out coal operations.

Jennifer Katie, Vice President of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs for Minnesota Power, emphasized the importance of reliability in energy supply, particularly in Northern Minnesota, where power outages can pose serious health risks. The plan, which was filed with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on March 1, includes a commitment to cease coal operations at the Boswell Energy Center by 2035 and replace it with natural gas and renewable sources like wind and solar.

Katie highlighted that Minnesota Power currently operates with nearly 60% renewable energy and has a diverse portfolio that includes wind, hydro, solar, and biomass. The utility is also exploring energy storage solutions to ensure reliability when renewable sources are not available. The transition is expected to involve a gradual increase in customer rates, projected at about 2% annually over the next five years.

The meeting also touched on Minnesota Power's acquisition by private infrastructure investors, which aims to provide stable capital and maintain local operations without impacting employee jobs or community commitments. This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to enhance the utility's long-term sustainability and reliability.

As the public comment period for the IRP approaches, community members will have the opportunity to engage with the plan and voice their opinions. The board members expressed their appreciation for Minnesota Power's efforts and the importance of balancing energy demands with environmental considerations, particularly in light of increasing energy consumption from industries and data centers.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting reflect a proactive approach to energy management in St. Louis County, with a clear focus on sustainability, reliability, and community engagement as Minnesota Power navigates its transition to a cleaner energy future.