Our Energy, Our Future
Raise Your Voice and Start an Energy Dialogue
Join the thousands of American consumers who have already sent over a million letters and e-mails to elected officials asking about our nation's energy and climate policy.
When it comes to finding energy solutions, we must meet climate change goals while keeping costs down and electricity reliable. America needs a plan, and now is the time to have a candid conversation with your elected officials about how they plan to meet growing demand and reduce emissions. Working together, we can find answers and take action.
Minnesota is facing tremendous challenges in our energy sector. In the coming years we must address these often-competing goals:
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Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
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Increase generating capacity by 30 percent to keep up with projected demand over the next 20 years
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Prevent the possibility of an electricity shortage
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Keep electricity affordable
To meet these challenges, we must do more than issue arbitrary emissions reduction targets for some future date. We must address the tough questions, build consensus and make smart decisions.
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Minnesota's co-ops are committed to keeping the lights on, providing reliable, affordable electricity and fulfilling our obligation to reduce green house gases cost-effectively
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We are speaking for our members, not special interests
As Minnesota's elected officials begin to discuss enacting a state or regional cap and trade program or carbon tax, there are four questions that need to be taken into consideration:
Question 1 - Capacity
Experts say our state's growing electricity needs will soon go well beyond what renewables, conservation and efficiency can provide. What is your plan to make sure we have the electricity we'll need in the future?
Question 2 - Technology
Our state faces a crisis as electricity use increases faster than available supply. I believe that by unleashing American ingenuity we can solve this problem. What are you doing to speed the development of new technology which will allow me to have the electric power I need while meeting our state's climate policy goals?
Question 3 - Affordability
Balancing electricity needs and environmental goals will be difficult. How much is all this going to increase my electric bill and what will you do to make it affordable?
Question 4 - Jobs
How will you keep existing jobs and attract new businesses to Minnesota if our electric rates are higher than those in neighboring states?
Visit www.ourenergymn.coop and send an e-mail to your Minnesota elected officials.