Minnesota Power, a utility division of ALLETE (NYSE:ALE), today announced the next step in its EnergyForward strategy for ensuring a safe, reliable and competitive energy supply for customers and the region. If approved by regulators, the resource package coupled with the companys existing renewable resources will result in renewable resources providing 44 percent of the companys energy supply by 2025, further reducing carbon emissions while keeping rates affordable.

In an upcoming filing with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC), Minnesota Power will request the addition of 250 megawatts of wind power capacity, an additional 10 megawatts of solar power and 250 megawatts of combined-cycle natural gas generation to meet customer demand for power, which is projected to grow throughout the region. The new resources will increase the companys already robust wind portfolio of 620 megawatts and double its solar generation.

For the past four years, EnergyForward has been exceeding expectations for how an energy company can transform the way it produces and delivers energy, said Brad Oachs, president of Regulated Operations. We look forward to working with our customers and regulators to continue down the path toward a safe, reliable, cleaner and affordable energy future.

With approval of the proposed resource package by the MPUC, renewable energy resources including wind, Canadian hydro, solar and biomasswill account for 44 percent of the utilitys energy supply portfolio, exceeding the initial EnergyForward goal of one-third renewable power. Minnesota Powers long-term goal is an energy mix of two-thirds renewable energy and flexible, renewable-enabling natural gas and one-third environmentally compliant baseload coal.

Natural gas is an essential component of the resource package to be filed with regulators. Without this plant, Minnesota Power would be reliant on fluctuating wholesale market prices when sun and wind resources arent available, increasing overall costs over the long-run.

Through a unique partnership with Dairyland Power Cooperative and access to a competitive natural gas supply, this approximately $350 million investment will further balance Minnesota Powers energy mix while contributing meaningful growth for ALLETEs shareholders, said ALLETE Chairman, President and CEO Al Hodnik. Minnesota Powers EnergyForward investments and industrial load prospects complement nicely the nexus of energy and water growth initiatives already announced and additional opportunities being pursued by ALLETE Clean Energy and U.S. Water. The ALLETE of today is a stronger and much more balanced company, with each of its businesses providing attractive growth and diversity consistent with our overall growth thesis.

Minnesota Power will file later this summer with the MPUC requesting approval of the resource package. After filing, state regulators will open a formal review process to consider Minnesota Powers request. After input from stakeholders and the public, a final determination is expected in the latter half of 2018.

The details of Minnesota Powers proposal include:

Minnesota Power already is meeting or exceeding state standards for renewable power, energy conservation and carbon emission reduction through fleet transition of smaller coal units and the addition of renewable energy. The company has already achieved a 25 percent renewable energy mix well ahead of Minnesotas goal of 25 percent by 2025. Minnesota Power expects to reduce carbon emissions on its system by about 40 percent by 2030 compared with 2005 levels.

We believe this resource package is the best way to meet changing customer expectations for clean energy while preserving safe, affordable and reliable supplies of energy for the customers who depend on us to power homes, schools, hospitals and the natural resource based industry that fuels our regions economy, Oachs said.

Minnesota Power provides electric service within a 26,000-square-mile area in Northeastern Minnesota, supporting comfort, security and quality of life for 145,000 customers, 16 municipalities and some of the largest industrial customers in the United States. More information is available at http://www.mnpower.com. ALE-CORP

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Minnesota Power Proposes Next Step in EnergyForward Plan - POWER magazine