Our 10-year resource plan, developed by our board of directors with member and stakeholder input, prioritizes delivering affordable, reliable and carbon-free energy. While it aligns the state of Minnesota’s mandate for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, the plan was built first and foremost to meet our members’ needs. Since the proposed projects were already included in our resource plan, the $170 million New ERA grant helps lower member costs by up to 25% without changing our direction.

Key dates

• May 2023: USDA announced the New ERA program
• September 2023: Connexus submitted a letter of interest
• April 2024: USDA invited Connexus to submit a full application
• August 2024: Connexus submitted an application based on our 10-year resource plan
• December 2024: USDA awarded Connexus a $170 million grant
• September 2031: All New ERA projects must be operational

Between 2025-2031, the New ERA grant will help Connexus add 282 MW of carbon-free energy (wind, solar, hydro) and 20 MW of battery storage. These renewable energy projects will equal approximately 40% of our energy mix.

2025 projects
Three local solar projects (10 MW total) – scheduled to be operational by the end of 2025

• Ramsey, Anoka County – 4 MW
• St. Francis, Anoka County – 4 MW
• North of Becker, Sherburne County – 2 MW

Battery storage at our substation – went into operation in May 2025

• Vadnais Heights, Ramsey County – 2.5 MW (four-hour duration)

2026–2031 projects we’re planning for

• Hydroelectric – 7 MW
• Wind – 175 MW
• Solar – 90 MW
• Battery storage – 17.5 MW

Connexus members and stakeholders in our service area will benefit from the resources added through New ERA.

Lower energy costs
This New ERA funding reduces the overall cost of meeting Minnesota’s 100% carbon-free energy mandate. Connexus’ approach reduces greenhouse gas emissions and provides economic value while keeping member rates affordable. 

Battery innovation
Our Vadnais Heights battery storage system is Minnesota’s first distribution deferral project designed to increase substation capacity, eliminating the need to purchase a larger transformer. When deployed, it can power about 1,000 homes during peak periods. This builds on Connexus’ 2018 battery + solar installations in Ramsey and Athens Township.

Reducing risk
The three 2025 solar arrays will be owned and operated by Cedar Creek Energy. Connexus has entered into a 30-year power purchase agreement with Cedar Creek to buy all the energy, capacity and environmental benefits without taking on asset ownership risks.

Smart siting and end-of-life planning
Connexus selected solar sites based on where energy is needed in our service area, interconnection feasibility and land use considerations. Each utility-scale solar array has an expected 30-year lifespan and includes a full decommissioning plan with removal and recycling.

Pollinator habitat
All Connexus solar projects will have pollinator-friendly habitat under and around the solar panels. Their low-growing vegetation will provide food and shelter for insects like bees and butterflies.

Concern for community
Connexus’ commitment to community is deeply rooted in our mission and cooperative principles. In 2024, The Connexus Energy Foundation℠ donated over $360,000 to support nonprofit organizations across our service area.

2024 annual report and partner organizations

With our community benefit plan, we will continue to build on The Connexus Energy Foundation’s momentum by funding even more education, community service, environmental stewardship and workforce development projects in the communities impacted by our projects.

“Good for you. Good for us. Good for the environment.”
This is the guiding message of our community benefit plan. It ties together the personal benefit, the cooperative value and the environmental impact of these carbon-free projects. Together, we’re building a cleaner, stronger energy future.

Community engagement
We’re inviting all Connexus members and community stakeholders to learn more and get involved! Member input is essential to our community benefit plan. Connexus is committed to listening and acting on what we hear.

Our process
We will review all comments and suggestions from our stakeholder engagement form near the bottom of this page, especially from stakeholders in the communities where our projects are located. Your feedback will directly influence how we prioritize community benefit plan investments. Our goal is to ensure these projects deliver meaningful benefits for the people who live and work nearby.