Minnesota Power Ready to Move Next Phase of EnergyForward Following MPUC Approval of Resource Plan

Building on an extensive process that involved discussion with customers and stakeholders over the past two years, Minnesota Power, a utility division of ALLETE Inc., reached a joint agreement earlier this week with stakeholders that included clean energy organizations, labor groups, and the city of Cohasset and Itasca County, which are host communities to the company’s last remaining coal-fired power plant.

The Commission approved all of the elements of the joint agreement.

“In early 2021, Minnesota Power set forth its vision for a carbon-free energy supply by 2050, and today’s decision by the Commission affirmed Minnesota Power’s state-leading efforts to shape a clean-energy future that benefits our customers, our communities, and the climate, while ensuring time to transition our employees,” said ALLETE Chair, President and CEO Bethany Owen. “Bringing all of these important stakeholders together has been a hallmark of Minnesota Power’s extensive process and is critical to a truly just transition that leaves no one behind. We’re grateful for the Commission’s approval and excited to get to work on this next phase of our collaborative and innovative energy transformation.”

“Today’s outcome confirms MP’s thoughtful pace and path for transforming our fleet and reducing carbon, while keeping affordability, as well as reliability and resiliency of our system at the fore and maintaining a just transition for our employees and host communities,” said Minnesota Power Chief Operating Josh Skelton.