Bundle up, another subzero air mass is heading our way. Partly sunny today with patchy blowing snow in the morning. Highs 5 below to 5 above zero. Find the latest on Updraft.
A solar plus-battery storage project in Ramsey, Minn., operated by Connexus Energy, shown in a recent photo, began operating in 2018. The system allows Connexus to collect and save power generated by the solar panels to use at times when electricity demand and prices are high. Courtesy of Connexus Energy
If you're a customer of Minnesota's largest electric utilities, like Xcel Energy or Minnesota Power, you're likely paying more for electricity this year.
But one-third of Minnesotans get their power from rural electric cooperatives. And some co-ops are finding ways to hold their rates flat while moving toward cleaner energy.
Connexus Energy, the state’s largest electric cooperative, recently announced it would be keeping electric rates flat for the fifth straight year.
"Our solar arrays that we put in are less expensive than the cost of electricity that we buy from the grid,” says Connexus CEO Greg Ridderbusch. “So we're doing both things that our members want."
The latest wastewater data from the Twin Cities suggests: The omicron-fueled spike may be past. The metro wastewater analysis finds COVID levels in wastewater peaked around Jan. 10 and then started falling. If accurate, the wastewater data would show the omicron surge peaked in the area about three weeks after it started rising.
Now you can order free at-home COVID tests or get your test purchased at a local store reimbursed. Up to four at-home tests can be requested per residential address, to be delivered by USPS. Also health insurers now must reimburse their customers for up to eight FDA-approved tests a month that are $12 or cheaper.
Tonga volcanic blast spreads shock waves all the way to Minnesota. NASA scientists are estimating the volcanic blast Saturday in the Pacific Ocean had the power of about 500 World War II atom bombs.
