CEO Message - April 2026

The 2026 Minnesota legislative session wrapped up at the end of May and although it was shaped by divided government, we saw that bipartisan agreements were still possible when legislative leaders focused on shared fiscal and operational priorities.

For the energy sector, specifically for Minnesota’s electric cooperatives, nuclear energy took a meaningful step forward and several costly proposals were stopped before they could become law.

A Step Forward on Nuclear Energy

After three decades of standing still, Minnesota took its first real step forward on nuclear power with a state nuclear energy study (HF 4703 / SF 4900). This is the most significant movement on the issue since Minnesota’s nuclear moratorium
was put in place in 1994. The moratorium
itself remains, but the study reflects a growing recognition at the Capitol that nuclear power deserves a serious look as the state works toward its carbon-free electricity goals.

Our state association, Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA), helped lead this effort as a founding member of the Minnesota Nuclear Energy Alliance. The Alliance brings together more than 60 organizations spanning utilities, labor,
agriculture, business, and environmental groups.  Its broad reach helped move nuclear into the mainstream of Minnesota’s energy conversation.

The study itself will examine the costs, benefits, and tradeoffs of nuclear energy in Minnesota, including its potential role in supporting affordability, reliability, and emissions reductions. The study will also look at issues surrounding nuclear waste and storage. Its findings will give lawmakers a stronger foundation for deciding whether to lift the moratorium next year.

Holding the Line on Costly New Mandates

Just as important as what passed is what didn’t.  Throughout the session, Minnesota’s electric cooperatives, through MREA and the advocacy of members across the state, worked to educate legislators about how mandates from St. Paul affect locally governed, not-for-profit cooperatives differently than they do large investor-owned utilities. Bills that would reduce local governance of our operations all stalled before reaching the finish line. Cooperative priorities like net metering reform also saw little movement, leaving important work for future sessions.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The November election will reshape the makeup of the Legislature, and the political landscape next session could look very different. We look forward to inviting legislative candidates this fall to hear directly from them on issues important to the Cooperative. We will continue to focus on advocating for affordable, reliable electricity and protecting the local, democratic governance that makes cooperatives unique.