Statement on Governor Walz 100% Clean Energy Announcement and HF - 1956

Statement on Governor Walz's 100% Clean Energy Announcement and HF 1956 Governor provides leadership toward 100% clean energy for Minnesota in a way that will save customers money, maintain reliability, and create jobs. MINNEAPOLIS/ ST. PAUL – March 6, 2019 – The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota applauds the bold leadership of Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan in their announced plan for 100% clean energy by 2050.  The Governor’s plan creates an achievable and flexible pathway to reduce carbon emissions from the electric sector, without negatively affecting the ratepayers of Minnesota.  The Governor’s proposed actions will save customers money, maintain system reliability, and create jobs. Clean energy is good for consumers, good for the economy, and good for the planet.  The proposed steps the Governor has laid out do not put ratepayers at risk, as some have suggested.  Instead, the Governor’s action gives the green light for customers to harness clean energy sources, which are proving to be the least-cost available resource.  Further, these costs continue to go down.  This will ultimately contain costs for consumers. The proposed approach takes further steps to increase energy efficiency programs across the state.  The cheapest sources of energy are the ones we do not use.  The proposed plan builds on Minnesota’s already strong leadership in this area.  Through reducing peak demand, providing more access to programs for customers, and charting a path toward beneficial electrification, customers will see more money in their pockets. Lastly, the proposal empowers the Public Utilities Commission to take steps to work with utilities and stakeholders, to chart a path for decarbonization that is sensitive to the diverse energy systems across our state.  This approach builds a multi-stakeholder approach focused on moving forward and is inherently sensitive to customers, ensuring ratepayers are not unduly burdened.  This approach unites various stakeholders in one body to make this vision possible. The proposals laid out for the legislature (HF 1956) operationalize the Governor’s goals and ensure that a customer-focused outcome becomes a reality.  We at CUB encourage an open-minded and robust debate at the state Capitol. We encourage all parties to take these proposals seriously, debate the issues genuinely, and keep customers in mind.  We at CUB will work with any party that wants to develop energy policy that makes Minnesota a leader in a customer centric, affordable, clean energy future.   ## ABOUT CITIZENS UTILITY BOARD OF MINNESOTA CUB is an independent nonprofit consumer energy advocate, representing residential customers and small business at the Minnesota legislature, the Public Utilities Commission and in other policy making arenas.  CUB's mission is to advocate for affordable and reliable utility service and clean energy for Minnesota residents and small businesses.  CUB is committed to reducing the costs and environmental impacts of energy for the people of Minnesota by improving public policy, educating consumers about energy options, and offering personalized guidance on how to lower electricity and natural gas bills. Through CUB's knowledge of Minnesota regulations and laws, CUB is dedicated to protecting consumers, supporting the stewardship of our natural resources, and holding utility companies accountable. cubminnesota.org