(Ramsey, MN) – Connexus Energy’s innovative solar-plus-storage project is now fully operational. Construction at the Ramsey and Athens Township sites began last summer, and by December 23, 2018, both sites were up and running. The project is one of the first in the country to use batteries integrated with a solar array to align the energy delivery to when it is most valuable. The two sites add 10 megawatts of renewables to Connexus’ energy mix with 15 megawatts of battery storage.
Most solar energy is produced when there is lower demand and the price is lower. Connexus is using the batteries to time shift the solar delivery to align with system peaks that typically occur as the sun is setting or has already set. The plan is to discharge the stored energy a couple of times per month.

ENGIE North America (formerly SoCore Energy) is handling the solar portion for Connexus, and NextEra Energy Resources, the battery storage.

Connexus Energy is the largest member-owned utility in Minnesota providing electricity and related products and services to approximately 135,000 homes and businesses in portions of Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Sherburne, and Washington counties. Additional information about Connexus Energy is available online at connexusenergy.com.

Connexus leads with solar + storage

Connexus Energy’s two new solar + storage sites in Ramsey and Athens Township are leading the way in the solar community. With battery storage, Connexus now has the ability to save the power that the solar panels produce and use that power at times when electricity demand is at its peak – mainly during the summer months.

“We listen to our members who tell us they want renewable energy without it costing more,” says Connexus CEO Greg Ridderbusch. “Most solar energy is produced when there is lower demand and the price is lower. We will discharge stored solar energy during peak hours when energy costs are the highest. This will help us save in power supply costs.”

Instead of the usual ribbon cutting, Connexus held a connecting ceremony in late October where the sun and battery were joined together. It was all part of the Celebrate the Sun event for stakeholders, partners, and those interested in our solar + storage project.

The two solar arrays with the battery storage will be fully operational by the end of this year. Both sites will be pollinator-friendly.

Watch time-lapse videos of the solar + storage project construction on Connexus Energy’s YouTube channel.

Appointment to Board

Shelly Peterson was recently appointed to the Connexus Energy Board of Directors. Peterson is currently employed as a city finance director, has a degree in management, and prior board and committee experience.
The Connexus Board conducted a public search for director candidates upon Betsy Wergin’s relocating out of District 3. Peterson’s appointment is effective until next spring’s election by the membership.

Upcoming Director Elections

Connexus Energy is now accepting applications for Board of Director candidates in director district two (three-year term), district three (one-year term), and district four (three-year term).  The deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. on January 25, 2019.  An informational meeting for members interested in becoming director candidates is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. on January 14, 2019, at Connexus Energy.  If you plan to attend the informational meeting, please RSVP to kim.vredenburg@connexusenergy.com.

A sweet treat

Solar honey now available

Surprise your honey with some unique solar honey under the tree this holiday season. A limited number of our 2018 honey jars from the apiary in our community solar garden are now available for a $12 donation. All the proceeds will go to ACBC – Anoka County Food Shelf.
Jars of the honey are $12 each*, and can only be purchased in the lobby at Connexus Energy.

*Cash transactions only.

Co-op Cuisine

Brandy Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 c graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ c sugar
• ½ c butter, melted
• 20 oz cream cheese
• 1 c sugar
• 1 14 oz can pumpkin
• 4 eggs
• 2 ½ tsp ginger
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cloves
• ⅓ cup brandy

Preparation:

For crust, combine crumbs, sugar, and butter. Press mixture into bottom of spring form pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.
For filling, beat together cream cheese and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add pumpkin, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and brandy. Mix well until blended.
Pour cheese mixture into crust and bake at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until well risen. Turn off heat and let cheesecake cool in oven. Cool in fridge overnight before eating.

(Ramsey, MN) – It was an opportunity to see Connexus Energy’s innovative new solar-plus-storage project up close. On October 25, Connexus Energy thanked is partners, stakeholders, and others interested in the project by hosting a “Celebrate the Sun” event. Those attending learned more about the solar plus storage sites in Ramsey and Athens Township, and had the opportunity to tour the Ramsey site.

The project is believed to be one of the first in the country to use batteries integrated with a solar array to manage peak demand. The two sites will add 10 megawatts of renewables to Connexus’ energy mix. However, what makes this project cutting edge is that Connexus Energy is integrating large scale battery storage at both the Ramsey and Athens sites for a total of 15 megawatts of battery storage.

“We listen to members who tell us they want renewable energy without it costing more,” says Connexus CEO Greg Ridderbusch. Most solar energy is produced when there is lower demand and the price is lower. We will discharge stored solar energy during peak hours when energy costs are the highest.”

Connexus Vice President of Power Supply, Brian Burandt says it’s taken several years to turn this project into reality. “We are in the home stretch, and are very pleased the pace and quality of the construction. ENGIE North America (formerly SoCore Energy) handled the solar portion, and NextEra Energy Resources, the battery storage. The two solar arrays with the battery storage will be fully operational by the end of this year.”

“We are excited to be part of bringing more renewable, reliable and cost effective energy to the members and communities served by Connexus. We are honored that ENGIE was chosen to develop these projects that provide increasing access to renewable energy in Minnesota, said Luis Felipe Birolini, Head of Solar US., ENGIE North America Inc.

“We are pleased to partner with Connexus on this forward-looking project,” said Jason Utton, vice president of development for NextEra Energy Resources, which designed, built and will own and operate the energy storage project. “Pairing solar energy with innovative battery storage technology is a big win for customers who get to benefit from more affordable, renewable energy for more hours of the day.”

“There are a number of groups we’ve relied upon for advice and support as this project was being developed,” adds Ridderbusch. “Fresh Energy, University of Minnesota’s Energy Transition Lab, and the National Renewables Cooperative Association are prominent stakeholders in this emerging area of energy innovation.”

Connexus Energy is the largest member-owned utility in Minnesota providing electricity and related products and services to approximately 132,000 homes and businesses in portions of Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Ramsey, Sherburne, and Washington counties. Additional information about Connexus Energy is available online at connexusenergy.com.