Study: Small power projects important to Minn. energy

Supporters of renewable energy projects say a new state study shows that small power projects can play an important role in changing Minnesota's energy mix.

The study shows it would cost about $121 million to connect another 600 megawatts of renewables to the grid. George Crocker with the North American Water Office said that's a lower price than anticipated.

"Now that we have some numbers that we can point to as to what the cost are for doing it the community way, by developing the generation in a dispersed fashion," Crocker said. "I think it will make it easier for some of the policy makers to provide better leadership towards the transition."

Crocker said the study shows the cost of hooking up renewables is less than the price of building new large scale power lines to bring electricity into the state. The study by the Minnesota Commerce Department will go to the legislature for review.

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