Rep. Craig Secures Key Clean Energy Investments to Lower Energy Costs, Create Jobs Across Second District

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced that she has secured critical clean energy grants to lower energy costs and create jobs across Minnesota’s Second District as part of an $825 million federal investment delivered to Minnesota utilities this month. 

Through the Empowering Rural America Program, Dakota Electric Association will receive $500,000 to deploy a new distribution management system that will improve efficiency and service across four Minnesota counties, including Dakota, Rice and Scott Counties. Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative will receive $900,000 to implement a new software system that will provide increased flexibility to customers across the state, including in Dakota, Le Sueur, Rice and Scott Counties.  

Great River Energy will receive a historic $794 million investment to procure 1,275 megawatts of renewable energy in rural areas across Minnesota, including in the Second Congressional District. This grant is expected to create over 1,600 jobs, cut costs for members by approximately $40 million per year and reduce climate pollution by over 5.49 million tons annually.  

“Minnesota’s rural utilities and electric co-ops keep the lights on for folks across the Second District and it's critical they have the resources they need to expand their operations and put more affordable clean energy into families’ homes,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m proud to have secured this funding to expand service in our rural communities, cut energy costs and create good-paying Minnesota jobs – all while advancing the all-of-the-above energy policy we need to stay ahead.” 

Rep. Craig secured this funding as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.  

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