COHASSET — Minnesota Power will at least partially convert the coal-fired Boswell Energy Center to natural gas.
The Public Utilities Commission approved the move in the utility's Integrated Resource Plan on Thursday, Sept. 10.
IRPs detail how a utility will generate its power over the next 15 years and are updated every couple of years.
Boswell generates power from the coal-fired Units 3 and 4. In its last IRP, Minnesota Power committed to ceasing coal at Unit 3 by 2030 and at Unit 4 by 2035. But what came next wasn't clear.
The PUC approved Minnesota Power's plan to refuel Unit 3 with gas by 2030.
Minnesota Power also wanted to refuel Unit 4 with 40% natural gas, but the PUC pushed that decision to the next IRP.
Boswell is a major employer in Cohasset, and it makes up roughly 20% of Itasca County's tax base.
That's why the county pushed for a part of the IRP that requires Minnesota Power to have periodic community meetings about the future of Boswell.
County commissioner John Johnson addressed the PUC on Thursday, noting Minnesota Power's participation in the county's 10-year plan for economic resilience.
"Immediately, Minnesota Power came to the table and supported that and continues to do so to help us make a plan, knowing and understanding that there is a timeline on all of this," he said.
"And Itasca is going to do all it can to prepare our citizens and our economies for such a significant change."
In 2023, Minnesota passed a law requiring utilities to provide 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. The PUC and utilities have to balance that rule with concerns about energy costs and reliability.
What else would you like to know? KAXE is planning additional coverage of the PUC's decision. Email us to help guide our coverage.
