MREA’S ENERGY ISSUES SUMMIT TACKLES CHALLENGES OF ENERGY TRANSITION & INNOVATION

The Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) hosted its annual Energy Issues Summit on August 7-8 in Bloomington, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and cooperative members to discuss the evolving landscape of energy. This year’s event focused on key issues like net metering, energy reliability and the innovative steps being taken to ensure Minnesota has a reliable, affordable and sustainable energy future.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER JOE SCHMIT: THE POWER OF IMPACT
The keynote speaker at this year’s event was Joe Schmit, an award-winning broadcaster, author and community leader. Schmidt, who has won 18 Emmys and has been a staple of Minnesota sports journalism since 1985, shared insights from his career and spoke passionately about the power of “silent impact” — the ways in which small actions can have profound effects on those around us. As an accomplished public speaker and author, Schmit inspired the audience with stories of leadership and resilience, emphasizing the importance of making a positive impact both within the workplace and in everyday life.

NET METERING REFORM
A hot topic at this year’s summit was the need for net metering reform. Several sessions highlighted how Minnesota’s current policy — originally designed to promote solar energy in the 1980s — has become outdated and is now shifting costs unfairly onto non-solar utility customers. During a panel discussion, Jenny Glumack, MREA’s Director of Government Affairs, emphasized the urgent need to update the policy.

“It is expensive, inequitable and outdated,” Glumack said. “Minnesota needs to follow the example of other states in reforming net metering to ensure that the costs of the energy transition are shared fairly.”

Panelists explored how other states have implemented changes to net metering policies by instituting program caps, system size limits and adjustments in compensation rates. The conversation stressed the need for Minnesota to consider similar reforms to balance the cost burden on consumers.

LET THERE BE LIGHT: ELECTRIFYING RURAL GUATEMALA
In another session, panelists reflected on the MREA-supported “Let There Be Light” Guatemala Electrification Project, where cooperative linemen traveled to Guatemala in June to electrify homes in remote villages for the very first time. Moderated by Joe Miller, MREA’s Director of Communications, the panel featured Steve Bronner of MiEnergy Cooperative, Ryan Loomans of Nobles Cooperative Electric and Steve Dvergsten of Sioux Valley Energy. They recounted their experiences, highlighting the challenges they faced and the life-changing impact their work had on the local communities. Their stories showcased the spirit of cooperation and the global reach of Minnesota’s electric cooperatives.

THE ROAD AHEAD
The summit also featured discussions on the future of Minnesota’s energy grid, with emphasis on how cooperatives can continue to provide affordable and reliable power as the state moves toward its ambitious goal of 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. As the energy transition accelerates, Minnesota’s cooperatives remain committed to finding innovative solutions that balance environmental sustainability with economic practicality.

The MREA Energy Issues Summit continues to serve as an important platform for cooperative leaders to come together, share knowledge and prepare for the future. With a focus on both local and global challenges, this year’s event underscored the vital role cooperatives play in shaping a sustainable and resilient energy landscape.