Energy option on the ballot in 2013
Voters in Minneapolis may see a question on their ballot this November asking if the city can form a municipal utility. Clean energy advocate Minneapolis Energy Options is working to get a question on the ballot that would allow the city to explore the possibility of municipal ownership of utilities rather than depending on Xcel Energy or CenterPoint Energy. In 2014 the City of Minneapolis will be renegotiating its contract with Xcel and CenterPoint. Currently, these two utility companies pay Minneapolis about $24 million annually for use of the public right-of-way to distribute electricity and natural gas to Minneapolis energy users. Council Member Gary Schiff has endorsed the effort, saying it will educate people about the need for more renewable energy.
To learn more about Minneapolis Energy Options and efforts to reduce citywide greenhouse gas emissions, visit the organization's website or Facebook page.
Last updated Jun. 7, 2013