PUC Decisions Changing Legacy CSG Bill-Credit Type in Executed Contracts Will Have Long-Term Consequences for MN Energy Markets

US Solar today expressed strong disappointment in the Court of Appeals’ opinion affirming the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) May 30 and August 16, 2024 orders slashing the legacy subscriber-compensation rate enshrined in executed program contracts for community solar gardens (CSGs) across Xcel Energy’s Minnesota service territory. This nonprecedential opinion leaves tens of thousands of legacy subscribers—including families, local governments, hospital systems, nonprofits, and schools across the state—facing significant and unexpected increases in their energy costs.

Community solar gardens in Minnesota have produced more than 860 megawatts of energy, serving over 25,000 subscribers—more than 70% of whom are homeowners, renters, schools, local governments, and nonprofits. The now-upheld PUC decisions will cost the City of Minneapolis alone an estimated $440,000 in the first year, with far-reaching economic and social consequences. On an annual basis, the average residential subscriber is expected to suffer hundreds of dollars in increased electric costs.

US Solar will continue to fight to protect subscribers and restore confidence in Minnesota’s energy market.

“We’re not stepping back,” said US Solar President Reed Richerson. “We remain committed to standing up for our customers and pressing for clear, stable, and fair energy policy moving forward.”