The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is committed to addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in the industries we regulate. Prioritizing and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion action aligns with our mission to create a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair and reasonable rates.
With support from the 2019 Legislature, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission convened the Energy Utility Diversity Stakeholder Group to advise the Commission and legislators on strategies to increase diversity in the sector. The report is available here.
In 2023, the legislature enacted Minn. Stat. 216C.51, which provides:
It is the public policy of this state to encourage each utility that serves Minnesota residents to focus on and improve the diversity of the utility's workforce and suppliers.
Through targeted communications and outreach efforts, the Commission aims to support broader public participation of diverse communities and greater utilization of consumer support programs, beyond traditional stakeholders.
• The Commission has amplified its website to make accessing information easier and created public participation resources. Learn more from PUC Videos about the Commission, our work, and how to get involved.
• Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 216B.631, participants may be eligible for compensation for reasonable costs to participate in proceedings. Funding is subject to several conditions including but not limited to materially assisting the Commission's deliberation. A complete list of eligibility criteria and procedural requirements are found here, Article 12, Section 25.
• If you need translation services, please contact the Consumer Affairs Office at 651.296.0406 or 800.657.3782 or email at consumer.puc@state.mn.us. The Commission has Spanish and Hmong language speakers on staff.
Through our authority over utility rates, practices, and programs, the Commission seeks to advance equity by working with utilities to ensure they are meaningfully addressing DEI objectives. Below are some examples.
• In 2020, the Commission initiated Docket 20‐492. This required utilities to report investments that would further economic recovery efforts amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilities were asked to provide a list of investments that met various conditions, including using woman, veteran, or minority owned businesses as much as possible and provide documentation of these efforts. You can review the reports in eDockets by searching for 20-492.
• In 2022, the Commission worked with Xcel Energy during their 2020-2034 integrated resource planning to advance workforce diversity, inclusive participation, and equitable access to utility services by requiring community outreach and the establishment of a stakeholder group. The stakeholder group meets monthly and produced its first Annual Report to the Commission in December 2022.
• In 2022, the Commission approved Xcel Energy’s workforce training pilot program which offers hands-on training in energy-related construction trades for persons who are traditionally underrepresented in the energy and construction industries.
Through expanded training, recruitment, mentorship and reporting, the agency is committed to a welcoming culture and equitable opportunity within the PUC workforce. The Commission’s Standing DEI Committee is exploring inclusive hiring practices and employee retention.
Visit the careers webpage to learn more about open positions at the Commission
The Commission’s 2024-2026 Affirmative Action Plan
