Upper Sioux solar dispute heads to Minnesota regulators
Minnesota regulators will weigh a dispute over a 25-megawatt tribal solar project that could affect how tribes self-generate power while tied to utilities
A dispute between the Upper Sioux Community and Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light & Power Association could shape whether tribal nations in Minnesota can generate more of their own electricity while remaining connected to local utilities, according to MPR News. The case is before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission after the cooperative argued the tribe’s 2.5-megawatt solar array violates co-op policy and state law. The Upper Sioux Community said the project was designed to help power Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort while keeping the electricity on tribal land.
The Minnesota Department of Commerce sided with the tribe in recent briefs, arguing federal law requires utilities to support customers who self-generate. The outcome could affect other tribal nations pursuing similar projects, including White Earth Nation, which is building a large solar array backed by a federal grant, according to MPR News.
- 1.Melissa Olson. MPR News, .