St. Paul, Minnesota — The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) permitted two carbon free generation projects located in Southern Minnesota today. The Commission approved the 50-megawatt (MW) Louise Solar Project in Mower County and the 120 MW Northern Wind Project in Murray County. 

“These projects are incredibly helpful to our local communities throughout greater Minnesota – they add construction jobs, long-term operations positions, and boost local economies through additional tax revenues,” said Commissioner John Tuma. “In addition to the workforce benefits, these projects help more people access low-cost Minnesota made energy for their homes and businesses.” 

The Louise Solar Project is expected to bring up to 400 jobs during construction and up to 21 indirect and two full-time positions after construction is complete. The project is estimated to result in about $125,000 in annual property tax revenue. 

The Northern Wind project includes the replacement of 65 existing turbines associated with the Chanarambie and Viking Wind projects with 45 new, larger and more efficient turbines. The Northern Wind Project will bring approximately 300 jobs during construction and up to 10 permanent full-time positions after construction is complete. Long-term, the Northern Wind is estimated to bring $600,000 in annual tax revenues for Murray County. 

About 

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas, and telephone service. 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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