Zero-emission energy mandates are undermining grid reliability and substantially increasing energy costs in Minnesota and Wisconsin. These mandates pose similar problems for the grid nationwide. Public utilities are profiting from the legislative push for zero-emission energy mandates. Unfortunately, these mandates increase the amounts of expensive, intermittent wind and solar added to the grid. increasing black outs and brown outs. Legislators should put an end to the premature retirement of existing coal plants to ensure grid reliability. Reliability, not fighting climate change, should be the primary goal of public utility commissions.
