St. Paul, Minnesota — The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) approved Minnesota Power’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure proposal. The investments will enable Minnesota Power to build 16 direct current (DC) fast chargers throughout its service territory in Northeastern Minnesota.

“Minnesota Power has put forward a well-reasoned plan to provide more EV chargers across Northeastern Minnesota and lower barriers to EV adoption for Minnesotans,” said Commissioner Matthew Schuerger. “This proposal also works to reduce consumer concerns about not knowing where to charge their EV while traveling in rural Minnesota.” 

Construction of Minnesota Power’s EV charging installations would begin in 2022 and is anticipated to take one year. EV customers charging at Minnesota Power stations would pay a connection fee and a per kilowatt-hour fee for the electricity, which would offset installation costs. 

Minnesota Power will finalize the charging station locations by considering distance gaps in current charging infrastructure, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency environmental justice areas, distances between EV chargers and travel corridors, census data on rental properties to reach customers who may not be able to charge at their residence, among other factors. 

About 

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy; electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc Please contact Tricia DeBleeckere, 651-201-2254 or tricia.debleeckere@state.mn.us if you have any questions. 

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