The Minnesota Department of Commerce will hold six public hearings to provide opportunities for the public and interested stakeholders to inform the design of Minnesota’s Home Energy Rebate programs (HER). HER was funded through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which invests $500 billion in the clean energy economy to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was created for the purpose of helping households make energy improvements, like upgrading appliances to efficient electric models, adding insulation, and modernizing home wiring systems. 

The hearings aim to gather local perspectives, insights, and priorities from those who could benefit from the program, ensuring inclusivity and reaching populations often underrepresented in decision-making processes. These are open to all Minnesota residents, especially those with an interest in energy efficiency or who work in the energy efficiency sector, including utilities and contractor workforce; non-profits, community-based organizations and advocacy groups; and renters, homeowners, and landlords. 

The hearings will include an informative presentation on the program, opportunities for the public to ask questions, and breakout conversations. People who attend any of the hearings will have the opportunity to discuss the HER programs with representatives for the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Registration to these events is encouraged, but not required. The hearings are free to attend and will be held at:  

Minneapolis – July 17, 2024
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Urban League Twin Cities
2100 Plymouth Ave N, Minneapolis MN 55411 

St. Cloud – July 18, 2024
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
St. Cloud State University Atwood Memorial Center
651 1st Ave S, St. Cloud, MN 56301 

Fergus Falls – July 23, 2024
6 p.m. to 8 p.m
Fergus Falls Public Library, Community Room
205 E Hampden Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 

Bemidji – July 24, 2024
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Bemidji State University - Hobson Memorial Union, Beaux Arts Ballroom
1500 Birchmont Dr NE, Bemidji, MN 56601 

Duluth – July 25, 2024
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
University of Minnesota Duluth, Kirby Student Union, Griggs Center, Room 202
1120 Kirby Drive, Duluth, MN  55812 

Mankato - August 15, 2024
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Virtual

Minnesota Department of Commerce houses the Energy Resources Division, which coordinates a variety of state and federal programs related to energy including Home Energy Rebates and Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates. Visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce Home Energy Rebate page. 

Connect with the Minnesota Commerce Department  
Get updates and news from the Minnesota Department of Commerce by following Commerce at mn.gov/commerce or @MNCommerce on social media.

MEDIA CONTACT:   

Mo Schriner
Director of Communications
Mo.Schriner@state.mn.us