Dive Summary:
- Minnesota Power has unveiled its EnergyForward resource strategy, a new plan that calls for renewable energy investments, construction of a major transmission line to facilitate delivery of sustained energy-conservation programs.
- The utility says it is currently delivering more than 400 MW of wind energy to customers since the completion of three phases of the Bison Wind project in North Dakota.
- Minnesota Power also expects to further leverage its renewable resources through a power purchase agreement involving hydropower beginning in 2020; a new transmission line is also expected to be finished by 2020.
From the article:
"Our plan builds on the tremendous progress we've made to achieve a more balanced and sustainable energy mix in a cost-competitive manner,” says Al Hodnik, ALLETE chairman, president and CEO. “Our North Dakota wind operations have more than tripled the amount of renewable energy on our system in a short time, moving our power supply from five percent renewable energy in 2005, to 20 percent this year.”
As part of its EnergyForward plan, Minnesota Power says it will also upgrade the largest hydroelectric system in the state by increasing efficiencies at its Thomson and Fond du Lac hydroelectric stations. At the same time, the company plans to continue its Power of One conservation program, which provides customers with tools to lower their energy usage. ...