Draft:Minnesota Power
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| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric utility |
| Founded | 1906 |
| Headquarters | Duluth, Minnesota, U.S. |
Area served | Northeastern Minnesota |
Key people | Bethany M. Owen (CEO, President, and Chair of ALLETE) |
Number of employees | 1,500 (2023) |
| Parent | ALLETE, Inc. |
| Website | www.mnpower.com |
Minnesota Power is an electric utility company headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota. It serves approximately 145,000 customers, including residential, commercial, and industrial clients across northeastern Minnesota. The company is a subsidiary of ALLETE, Inc., a publicly traded energy company.[1]
History
[edit]Minnesota Power was founded in 1906 as the Duluth Edison Electric Co. to harness the energy from Minnesota's rivers for growing industries like timber and mining.[2] Over time, the company consolidated smaller utilities, becoming Minnesota Power and Light by 1923.[3]
In the mid-20th century, the company expanded its operations to include coal-fired plants like the Boswell Energy Center, which began operations in 1958. Over the past decade, Minnesota Power has focused on transitioning to cleaner energy, reducing its reliance on coal.[4]
Operations
[edit]Minnesota Power provides electricity to a large service area in northeastern Minnesota, including the cities of Duluth, Cloquet, and several industrial sites on the Iron Range.[5] The company has a diverse energy portfolio that includes hydroelectric, wind, solar, biomass, and natural gas generation facilities.[6]
As of 2024, Minnesota Power generates more than 50% of its electricity from renewable sources, a significant achievement in its goal to achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2050.[7]
Power Generation Facilities
[edit]- Boswell Energy Center – A coal-fired power plant located in Cohasset, Minnesota. Units 3 and 4 continue to operate, although the company is planning a phased retirement of coal use.[8]
- Thomson Hydro Station – One of the oldest and largest hydroelectric facilities in Minnesota, located on the St. Louis River.[9]
- Nobles 2 Wind Farm – A wind energy project in southwestern Minnesota, contributing to the company’s 870 MW of wind power generation.[10]
Transmission and Distribution
[edit]Minnesota Power operates over 8,500 miles of transmission and distribution lines to deliver electricity to its customers, including industries like taconite mining, which consume a large portion of the energy generated.[11]
Renewable Energy Initiatives
[edit]Minnesota Power has been at the forefront of renewable energy development in Minnesota. The company’s renewable energy mix includes wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Notably, it was the first utility in Minnesota to reach 50% renewable energy, largely due to the addition of the Nobles 2 Wind Farm and its longstanding hydro facilities.[12]
The company’s long-term plan, known as EnergyForward, aims to completely phase out coal while investing in clean energy technologies and energy storage solutions.[13]
Environmental and Community Initiatives
[edit]Minnesota Power is actively involved in environmental sustainability and community engagement. The company has reduced its carbon emissions by 50% since 2005 and continues to invest in cleaner energy technologies. Additionally, it supports local economic development and conservation efforts.[14]
Parent Company: ALLETE, Inc.
[edit]Minnesota Power is a subsidiary of ALLETE, Inc., which was recently sold to a partnership led by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and Global Infrastructure Partners for $6.2 billion. Despite the acquisition, Minnesota Power continues to operate as usual with local management and its headquarters in Duluth.[15]
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "ALLETE, Inc. Overview". Minnesota Power. 2023.
- ^ "Minnesota Power History". Minnesota Power. 2023.
- ^ "History of Minnesota Power". Minnesota Power. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ "Minnesota Power Shifts Toward Renewables". Star Tribune. 2020.
- ^ "Service Area". Minnesota Power. 2024.
- ^ "Renewable Energy Overview". Minnesota Power. 2024.
- ^ "Minnesota Power Reaches 50% Renewable Energy". Star Tribune. 2020.
- ^ "Next Steps for Boswell Energy Center". Siemens. 2023.
- ^ "Thomson Hydro Station". Minnesota Power. 2024.
- ^ "Nobles 2 Wind Farm and Renewable Energy Milestone". MPR News. 2024.
- ^ "Transmission and Distribution Network". Minnesota Power. 2024.
- ^ "Minnesota Power Hits 50% Renewable Energy". Star Tribune. 2020.
- ^ "EnergyForward Initiative". Minnesota Power. 2023.
- ^ "Environmental and Community Initiatives". Minnesota Power. 2023.
- ^ "ALLETE Sold for $6.2 Billion". MPR News. 2024.