April 22, 2013 - SAINT PAUL, MN – In 1970, the first Earth Day mobilized 20 million Americans and launched the modern environmental movement. It rallied people from all walks of life and led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and passage of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts.

April 12, 2013 - As Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule, administered by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, ends – the PUC and the Minnesota Department of Commerce urge consumers to act immediately to keep the heat on.

April 12, 2013 - SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources (DER) recommended today the reduction of over $195 million of the $285 million revised rate increase proposed by Xcel Energy for electric service in 2013, a reduction of 69 percent overall.

April 10, 2013 - The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources has issued an alert to consumers who are considering the purchase of radiant barriers in their attics. The Commerce Department, which has received recent reports of salespeople pitching the radiant barrier product in flyers and at free dinners throughout Minnesota, warns consumers that radiant barriers are not a cost-effective way to reduce heating or cooling loads in Minnesota.

April 03, 2013 - SAINT PAUL, MN – Twelve research and development grant projects that will ultimately help Minnesota consumers and businesses save energy, cut energy bills, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions were announced today by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DER). The grants, totaling $2.3 million, are funded by the Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) Grant Program and administered by DER.

March 15, 2013 - SAINT PAUL, MN —The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources wants low-income Minnesotans—especially seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children—to know that grant funds are still available to help pay their heating bills from the Energy Assistance Program (EAP).

March 05, 2013 - Legislation would update net-metering statute and establish solar electricity generation standards.

March 05, 2013 - With the mix of snow, thaws, and freezing temperatures, ice dams are once again rearing their ugly heads for homeowners.

March 01, 2013 - SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DER) recommended today the reduction of over $191 million of the $285 million rate increase proposed by Xcel Energy for electric service in 2013, a reduction of 67 percent overall. Xcel provides electric service to over 1,227,768 customers largely in the Twin Cities and the southern half of Minnesota. The Department concluded that the recommended reductions of 67 percent will be sufficient for Xcel to provide safe, reliable service by making needed improvements to distribution, transmission and generation facilities.

January 29, 2013 - SAINT PAUL, MN – All 16 of the utilities subject to the Minnesota Renewable Energy Standard have demonstrated compliance with the 2011 requirements and are on track to comply with 2012 goals, according to a report released this month by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources. The report is entitled Progress on Compliance by Electric Utilities with the Minnesota Renewable Energy Objective and the Renewable Energy Standard and is prepared for the Minnesota Legislature once every two years.