Review and Analysis of Renewable Energy Options for Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC)

Abstract

The University of Minnesota (UMN) project team reviewed and analyzed the current and proposed renewable energy programs and opportunities for Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) and gathered survey data from MVEC member-owners to gain an awareness of interest and preferences toward renewable energy options. The team found that MVEC members possess a significant level of interest in new renewable energy opportunities and a willingness to pay for new options. The contract design for a 1 MW Community Solar array may have enough interest to fully support the project, but improvements to contract design may be possible to attract more subscribers and better meet member preferences. Our recommendations address this opportunity for MVEC. Interest in the project originated from conversations between MVEC and faculty at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. MVEC expressed an interest in obtaining a better sense of member interest and preferences for renewable energy programs within the cooperative. This interest helped facilitate a capstone project for Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy graduate students at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.