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Utilities 101

Electric Utilities

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Electric utilities create and distribute the electrical energy we use everyday. They maintain the equipment that delivers the electricity to our homes. There are three types of electric utilities in Minnesota:

  • Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs)
  • Municipal Utilities
  • Cooperatives

Where you live determines which utility serves you. Knowing which type of utility you have can help you understand how your electricity is produced (renewable sources, natural gas, coal, nuclear, etc). Knowing who your utility is will help you find rebates and opportunities for energy efficiency and clean energy upgrades in your home.

Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs)

  • Investor Owned Utilities are private for-profit corporations.
  • Rates are regulated by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
  • There are four Investor Owned Utilities in Minnesota that serve approximately 1.5 million residents.

Municipal Utilities

  • Municipal utilities are non-profit organizations.
  • Municipal utilities are governed by the city council or appointed utility commission.
  • Regulation is largely through the local council or commission. 
  • Various safety and service issues are regulated by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission or federal government.
  • There are 124 electrical Municipal Utilities in Minnesota that serve approximately 386,000 residents.

Electric Cooperatives

  • An electric cooperative is a member-owned utility.
  • Provides electricity to mostly rural areas.
  • Governed by a board of directors who are elected by its members.
  • Can opt to be regulated by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, but are not required to.
  • There are 50 electric cooperatives in Minnesota that serve approximately 853,000 residents.
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Find out which electric utility serves you!

Find it on the map

More Resources we need to organize

Learn more about residential air source heat pump rebates offered by utilities on this interactive map.

Explore renewable energy and energy efficiency programs in Minnesota on the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE).

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC)

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MREA

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