Clean Energy Resource Teams
@mncerts.bsky.social
We help Minnesotans solve community challenges with energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. Let's steward our community resources wisely, let us know your idea!
Pinned
We're the Clean Energy Resource Teams!
Get to know CERTs, the Clean Energy Resource Teams. We help Minnesotans get clean energy ideas moving forward!
Visit our website to connect with us:
https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/
youtu.be
Let us re-introduce ourselves. We're the Clean Energy Resource Teams and we're here to help Minnesotans move clean energy ideas FORWARD!
youtu.be/QwGLwFlx1hM
youtu.be/QwGLwFlx1hM
Reposted by Clean Energy Resource Teams
‼️ If you're facing an electric or natural gas shutoff or can't afford your bill: cubminnesota.org/identifying-...
January 22, 2026 at 12:24 AM
‼️ If you're facing an electric or natural gas shutoff or can't afford your bill: cubminnesota.org/identifying-...
Reposted by Clean Energy Resource Teams
This is a trusted local org in MN with some good guidance for folks interacting with their utilities 👇
In response to the ongoing presence of federal agents in Minnesota, we have put together two resources for community members:
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
January 20, 2026 at 4:25 PM
This is a trusted local org in MN with some good guidance for folks interacting with their utilities 👇
Reposted by Clean Energy Resource Teams
Investing in clean energy could avoid trillions of dollars in health and climate costs, the Union of Concerned Scientists' report said.
Data centers will spike electricity bills, but renewable energy could offset the pain, report finds
Investing in clean energy could avoid trillions of dollars in health and climate costs, the Union of Concerned Scientists' report said.
www.kare11.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Investing in clean energy could avoid trillions of dollars in health and climate costs, the Union of Concerned Scientists' report said.
Reposted by Clean Energy Resource Teams
When farms embrace agrivoltaics, plants and people get shade, and power gets made. That’s a real win-win.
Here’s how a third-generation farmer brought solar panels to his family’s land: www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
Here’s how a third-generation farmer brought solar panels to his family’s land: www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
"Agrivoltaics" combines food production with solar power
At Jack’s Solar Garden in Colorado, crops grow amid the solar panels.
www.marketplace.org
January 20, 2026 at 4:39 PM
When farms embrace agrivoltaics, plants and people get shade, and power gets made. That’s a real win-win.
Here’s how a third-generation farmer brought solar panels to his family’s land: www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
Here’s how a third-generation farmer brought solar panels to his family’s land: www.marketplace.org/story/2025/1...
The Boswell Solar Project is a key component of Minnesota Power's Integrated Resource Plan and will deliver 85 MW.
Construction is expected to begin early this year, with commercial operation anticipated in late 2027.
www.kaxe.org/local-news/2...
Construction is expected to begin early this year, with commercial operation anticipated in late 2027.
www.kaxe.org/local-news/2...
State utilities commission approves solar project in Itasca County
Permit conditions require a detailed plan to address visual impacts to neighboring properties, and engagement with the Leech Lake Band on economic and workforce development opportunities.
www.kaxe.org
January 18, 2026 at 5:51 PM
The Boswell Solar Project is a key component of Minnesota Power's Integrated Resource Plan and will deliver 85 MW.
Construction is expected to begin early this year, with commercial operation anticipated in late 2027.
www.kaxe.org/local-news/2...
Construction is expected to begin early this year, with commercial operation anticipated in late 2027.
www.kaxe.org/local-news/2...
Reposted by Clean Energy Resource Teams
CUB provides support to everyone in the state regardless of your immigration status. Contact us if you need help with your energy bills in the days ahead.
🔗 cubminnesota.org/contact-cub
🔗 cubminnesota.org/contact-cub
January 17, 2026 at 7:08 PM
CUB provides support to everyone in the state regardless of your immigration status. Contact us if you need help with your energy bills in the days ahead.
🔗 cubminnesota.org/contact-cub
🔗 cubminnesota.org/contact-cub
Reposted by Clean Energy Resource Teams
We have this information posted on our website alongside handouts for printing and sharing. Currently available in English, Somali, and Spanish.
🔗 Utility Bill Help: cubminnesota.org/utility-bill...
🔗 Identifying Utility Workers: cubminnesota.org/identifying-...
🔗 Utility Bill Help: cubminnesota.org/utility-bill...
🔗 Identifying Utility Workers: cubminnesota.org/identifying-...
Utility Bill Help - English
cubminnesota.org
January 17, 2026 at 7:08 PM
We have this information posted on our website alongside handouts for printing and sharing. Currently available in English, Somali, and Spanish.
🔗 Utility Bill Help: cubminnesota.org/utility-bill...
🔗 Identifying Utility Workers: cubminnesota.org/identifying-...
🔗 Utility Bill Help: cubminnesota.org/utility-bill...
🔗 Identifying Utility Workers: cubminnesota.org/identifying-...
Reposted by Clean Energy Resource Teams
In response to the ongoing presence of federal agents in Minnesota, we have put together two resources for community members:
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
January 17, 2026 at 7:08 PM
In response to the ongoing presence of federal agents in Minnesota, we have put together two resources for community members:
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
🔹Everyone has the right to an affordable payment plan if you fall behind on your utility bills. Three steps to take to keep the heat and lights on.
Reposted by Clean Energy Resource Teams
🔹Utility workers sometimes have to do work at your home or business. Ask for identification and/or call your utility to confirm the individual's identity.
January 16, 2026 at 11:10 PM
🔹Utility workers sometimes have to do work at your home or business. Ask for identification and/or call your utility to confirm the individual's identity.
Pass along these useful resources for neighbors!
January 17, 2026 at 1:21 AM
Pass along these useful resources for neighbors!
Good news!
The MPCA is offering approximately $135,000 in grant funding to help Minnesota businesses and organizations purchase bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles for commercial use.
The application deadline has been extended to Feb. 27, 2026!
The MPCA is offering approximately $135,000 in grant funding to help Minnesota businesses and organizations purchase bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles for commercial use.
The application deadline has been extended to Feb. 27, 2026!
MPCA e-bikes for business grant applications extended, now due Feb. 27
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is offering approximately $135,000 in grant funding to help businesses and organizations purchase bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles for commercial use.
www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org
January 16, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Good news!
The MPCA is offering approximately $135,000 in grant funding to help Minnesota businesses and organizations purchase bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles for commercial use.
The application deadline has been extended to Feb. 27, 2026!
The MPCA is offering approximately $135,000 in grant funding to help Minnesota businesses and organizations purchase bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles for commercial use.
The application deadline has been extended to Feb. 27, 2026!
Nov. + Dec. are the most exciting months for Karen Weldon, our evaluation coordinator: "It’s the season where we crunch numbers and get a holistic look at what we accomplished over the year. In a lot of ways, this year looked like last year...in other ways, 2025 looked different."
The scoop on CERTs impact in 2025
CERTs Evaluation Coordinator Karen Weldon reflects on the work we did in 2025 and how the impact will move our work forward into the new year.
www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org
January 16, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Nov. + Dec. are the most exciting months for Karen Weldon, our evaluation coordinator: "It’s the season where we crunch numbers and get a holistic look at what we accomplished over the year. In a lot of ways, this year looked like last year...in other ways, 2025 looked different."
Get the scoop from our Evaluation Coordinator on what really happened with our work in 2025 - buff.ly/KdEtlsO
January 15, 2026 at 6:48 PM
Get the scoop from our Evaluation Coordinator on what really happened with our work in 2025 - buff.ly/KdEtlsO
“It has gotten to be so that I can get pretty much anywhere I need to go,” shared CERTs Co-Director Melissa Birch. The 180-mile drive from her north-central Minnesota home to the Twin Cities in her all-electric Chevy Bolt has become “dramatically” easier in the last few years:
Minnesota's EV charging network growth has slowed under Trump
The state had more than 2,800 public EV charger outlets as of October, but growth slowed in 2025.
www.minnpost.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:50 AM
“It has gotten to be so that I can get pretty much anywhere I need to go,” shared CERTs Co-Director Melissa Birch. The 180-mile drive from her north-central Minnesota home to the Twin Cities in her all-electric Chevy Bolt has become “dramatically” easier in the last few years:
Minnesota Renewable Energy Society's monthly speaker series on Jan. 15, 6 p.m., zoom, features notable journalist Frank Jossi: Minnesota’s Clean Energy Future
Register:
Register:
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Minnesota’s Clean Energy Future. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Join us to review our state's past success with clean energy and highlight key concerns and strengths going forward. Journalist Frank Jossi will cover legislation passed in 2023 and the following two...
us02web.zoom.us
January 14, 2026 at 1:55 PM
Minnesota Renewable Energy Society's monthly speaker series on Jan. 15, 6 p.m., zoom, features notable journalist Frank Jossi: Minnesota’s Clean Energy Future
Register:
Register:
We plan to continue growing the Community Energy Ambassadors program with more events & a formalized training make it even more accessible.
“We’re continuing to develop both self-paced and cohort models, while also focusing more on bringing groups together.”
“We’re continuing to develop both self-paced and cohort models, while also focusing more on bringing groups together.”
A bright, new cohort chapter for Community Energy Ambassadors
A group of 13 community members recently gathered for a full day of learning and inspiration around clean energy. The workshop covered everything from home energy efficiency and heat pumps to solar,…
www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org
January 9, 2026 at 12:55 PM
We plan to continue growing the Community Energy Ambassadors program with more events & a formalized training make it even more accessible.
“We’re continuing to develop both self-paced and cohort models, while also focusing more on bringing groups together.”
“We’re continuing to develop both self-paced and cohort models, while also focusing more on bringing groups together.”
Seeking advisory board members: Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund
The 2023 MN Legislature launched the ENRTF Community Grants Program to support smaller organizations & expand access for historically underserved communities.
Sign up for their email list to learn more:
The 2023 MN Legislature launched the ENRTF Community Grants Program to support smaller organizations & expand access for historically underserved communities.
Sign up for their email list to learn more:
Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program Implementation
The Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Grant Program is a new grant funding opportunity currently in development. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will manage…
www.dnr.state.mn.us
January 8, 2026 at 12:50 AM
Seeking advisory board members: Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund
The 2023 MN Legislature launched the ENRTF Community Grants Program to support smaller organizations & expand access for historically underserved communities.
Sign up for their email list to learn more:
The 2023 MN Legislature launched the ENRTF Community Grants Program to support smaller organizations & expand access for historically underserved communities.
Sign up for their email list to learn more:
Clean energy is about imagining new ways to build the kinds of communities that we all want to live in.
It’s what we do in Minnesota because we care about doing things well. More importantly, it’s what we do because we care about each other.
It’s what we do in Minnesota because we care about doing things well. More importantly, it’s what we do because we care about each other.
Reflections on clean energy in Minnesota
A note from CERTs Co-Directors to close out 2025.
www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org
January 7, 2026 at 1:55 PM
Clean energy is about imagining new ways to build the kinds of communities that we all want to live in.
It’s what we do in Minnesota because we care about doing things well. More importantly, it’s what we do because we care about each other.
It’s what we do in Minnesota because we care about doing things well. More importantly, it’s what we do because we care about each other.
“No matter who you are or how you show up, clean energy is for everyone. The dream is to help more Minnesotans see the value in it and benefit from it, no matter their background or beliefs.” -CERTs Melissa Birch
A bright, new cohort chapter for Community Energy Ambassadors
A group of 13 community members recently gathered for a full day of learning and inspiration around clean energy. The workshop covered everything from home energy efficiency and heat pumps to solar,…
www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org
January 6, 2026 at 6:03 PM
“No matter who you are or how you show up, clean energy is for everyone. The dream is to help more Minnesotans see the value in it and benefit from it, no matter their background or beliefs.” -CERTs Melissa Birch
"We don't have extra money. And so if we can do some things that over the long haul are beneficial financially for the district, then that's good for the community," says Superintendent Kevin Grover. "More (funds) can go into the education part of it, compared to our facilities."
East Grand Forks Schools awarded $500,000 for solar panel project
The $1.2 million project will be funded by a combination of state and federal grants, costing the district $200,000.
www.grandforksherald.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:05 PM
"We don't have extra money. And so if we can do some things that over the long haul are beneficial financially for the district, then that's good for the community," says Superintendent Kevin Grover. "More (funds) can go into the education part of it, compared to our facilities."
Have you taken a minute to share your thoughts with the Metropolitan Council on where we need more public charging stations in the Twin Cities region? Share before Jan. 9!
metrocouncil.org/Transportati...
metrocouncil.org/Transportati...
Electric Vehicle Public Charging Needs - Metropolitan Council
Learn more about the study and issues surrounding public electric vehicle charging needs with our online open house (PDF). Take the public charging needs survey (through Jan. 9).
metrocouncil.org
January 5, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Have you taken a minute to share your thoughts with the Metropolitan Council on where we need more public charging stations in the Twin Cities region? Share before Jan. 9!
metrocouncil.org/Transportati...
metrocouncil.org/Transportati...
“The idea is that these in-person sessions allow participants to complete most of the content in a single day while also connecting, brainstorming, and building off one another’s ideas.”
A bright, new cohort chapter for Community Energy Ambassadors
A group of 13 community members recently gathered for a full day of learning and inspiration around clean energy. The workshop covered everything from home energy efficiency and heat pumps to solar,…
www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org
January 5, 2026 at 12:45 PM
“The idea is that these in-person sessions allow participants to complete most of the content in a single day while also connecting, brainstorming, and building off one another’s ideas.”
To a lot of people, clean energy means solar panels on the roof and wind turbines in SW MN. And, of course, those are important pieces of the puzzle. But clean energy is so much more than that! CERTs Co-Directors share a brief reflection on what clean energy means to us:
Reflections on clean energy in Minnesota
A note from CERTs Co-Directors to close out 2025.
www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org
January 5, 2026 at 2:20 AM
To a lot of people, clean energy means solar panels on the roof and wind turbines in SW MN. And, of course, those are important pieces of the puzzle. But clean energy is so much more than that! CERTs Co-Directors share a brief reflection on what clean energy means to us:
Best & worst parts of driving an electric motorcycle around Lake Superior, according to Dan Ward?
Highway 41 near Copper Harbor: "a beautiful road and has the best fall colors."
Worst part: Wet boots.
Highway 41 near Copper Harbor: "a beautiful road and has the best fall colors."
Worst part: Wet boots.
1,900 miles around Lake Superior on an electric motorcycle
Dan Ward circumnavigated Lake Superior in two weeks on an electric motorcycle, CERTs caught up with him to learn more.
www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org
January 3, 2026 at 2:04 PM
Best & worst parts of driving an electric motorcycle around Lake Superior, according to Dan Ward?
Highway 41 near Copper Harbor: "a beautiful road and has the best fall colors."
Worst part: Wet boots.
Highway 41 near Copper Harbor: "a beautiful road and has the best fall colors."
Worst part: Wet boots.
Before Jan. 9, share your thoughts with the Metropolitan Council on where we need more public charging stations in the Twin Cities region!
metrocouncil.org/Transportati...
metrocouncil.org/Transportati...
Electric Vehicle Public Charging Needs - Metropolitan Council
Learn more about the study and issues surrounding public electric vehicle charging needs with our online open house (PDF). Take the public charging needs survey (through Jan. 9).
metrocouncil.org
January 2, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Before Jan. 9, share your thoughts with the Metropolitan Council on where we need more public charging stations in the Twin Cities region!
metrocouncil.org/Transportati...
metrocouncil.org/Transportati...