Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold is announcing new leadership for the Commerce Division of Energy Resources and appointing Michelle Gransee as Deputy Commissioner. Gransee brings over a decade of experience working at Commerce, most recently as director of the State Energy Office.  

“As Deputy Commissioner, Michelle will bring a deep understanding of Commerce’s work in energy, and a passion for the communities, organizations and individuals that Commerce serves, as our state builds an innovative, equitable clean energy economy,” said Commissioner Arnold. “Minnesota has been a national leader in transitioning to clean energy and advancing energy efficiency. Michelle’s talent in leading teams, organizing coalitions and engaging diverse stakeholders will help Minnesota take advantage of the tremendous opportunities and investments.” 

Gransee began her work for Commerce in 2009 and for the past 10 years has held leadership roles in the State Energy Office at Commerce. She was promoted to director of the State Energy Office in 2019. The State Energy Office’s work includes federal, state, and utility funded technical assistance, as well as energy policy and program development and implementation. One of 56 State Energy Offices nationwide, the Minnesota State Energy Office encourages energy literacy through sound data, technical assistance, and community engagement, promotes effective market transformation of emerging energy technologies, and works towards energy equity through equitable policies, programs, and incentives focused on making clean energy the clear choice for Minnesotans. In this role, Gransee oversees a number of programs, including the State Energy Program, Weatherization Assistance Program, and recently the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program. 

Prior to joining Commerce, Gransee held a myriad of positions. She was managing director for the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society, adjunct professor and renewable energy curriculum developer at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and program director of an environmentally-focused AmeriCorps National Service Program. She has her bachelor of arts from Concordia College in Moorhead, a post-BS certificate in education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, and a master’s of science degree in natural resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. 

As Deputy Commissioner, Gransee will oversee the Division of Energy Resources, comprised of the State Energy, Energy Assistance, Weatherization Assistance, and Conservation Improvement Programs, and the Energy Environmental Review and Analysis, Telecommunications and Energy Regulation and Planning units .  

Gransee will transition into her new role as Kevin Lee, the current Deputy Commissioner of Energy Resources, transitions out of that position over the next month. Lee is leaving Commerce in mid-December to attend to personal matters. 

With this new structure, Commerce will be hiring two directors for energy affordability and energy development, and an assistant commissioner, who will report to Gransee. 

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Mo Schriner, Communications Director
Minnesota Department of Commerce
mo.schriner@state.mn.us