November 6, 2007

Renewable Energy Standards, Conservation Requirements, and Carbon Goals: A Case Study

In February Minnesota joined a growing number of states requiring renewable portfolio standards for utilities. Minnesota’s new law requires that by 2025, 25% of the state’s energy must come from renewable power sources (30% by 2020 for Xcel). In this panel discussion, an event in ELI’s Understanding Climate Change Law seminar series, representatives from industry, government, and the public interest presented a case study of one utility’s response to the new renewable energy mandates in Minnesota. Our expert panel provided background on the development of Minnesota’s renewable energy standard, conservation requirements, and carbon goals. Xcel Energy, Inc., the utility providing over half of the state’s electricity, will explain its reaction to the new requirements and the challenges it and other utilities will face, such as transmission constraints and the availably of wind turbines and other renewables.

Panelists:
Michael C. Connelly, Vice President and General Counsel, Xcel Energy
Edward A. Garvey, Deputy Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Commerce
William Grant, Associate Executive Director, Izaak Walton League
David M. Sparby, President and CEO, Northern States Power Company d/b/a Xcel Energy

Please click here for more information on the
Understanding Climate Change Law seminar series.