Low energy costs. Minnesota’s average electricity cost is almost 1 cent per kW below the national average; natural gas costs are among the lowest in the nation; and the cost of gasoline competes with the national average. (source: Energy Information Administration)

Energy efficiency programs result in a 5:1 ROI. Electric and gas utilities will save Minnesota customers roughly $2.6 billion over the average 15-year life of the measures. Statewide, utility investments are providing a $5.46 return for each $1 spent in efficiency measures.

Leader in wind power. Wind power generated in the state has risen from 3 percent of Minnesota's total electric power in 2005 to nearly 15 percent in 2012. More than 2,700 MW in wind power capacity currently is installed, ranking Minnesota sixth in the nation in cumulative wind energy as of October 2012.

Solar power up 700 percent. Minnesota achieved a milestone of 10,000 kW (10 MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2012, up from 150 kW in 2002; almost a 7,000 percent increase.

Biofuel production tops one billion gallons. The amount of power generated in Minnesota from biomass increased from 1.3 to 2.1 megawatt hours (MWh) from 2000 to 2010; a 60 percent increase. Production capacity of ethanol increased from 440 million gallons to over one billion gallons from 2005 to 2012.