Grant program to support storm damage recovery, updated website for franchise information, and more





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"July 17, 2025"

Table of Contents

* Clearwater-Polk Recovery [ #clearwater ]
* Franchise Webpage Updates [ #franchise ]
* MN Power Acquistion [ #mnpower ]
* Commerce in the News [ #news ]





fallen tree
*Commerce Approves Grid Resiliency Funding for Clearwater-Polk Recovery*

A powerful 100-mph+ windstorm recently swept through the Clearwater-Polk area in northwestern Minnesota, damaging key infrastructure - including transmission lines and a substation - that serve the White Earth community and those in the headwaters of the Mississippi River.  

In response, our Department of Energy Resources quickly finalized a contract through the State Grid Resiliency Grant Program to support Clearwater-Polk Electric Cooperative. This investment will improve capacity, reliability, reduce outage times, and bring lasting resiliency to a rural region spanning 1,500 square miles. 

*Electric Grid Resilience Program information* [ [link removed] ]






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business owner
*Franchise Webpage Updates: New Search and Registration Tools*

We've updated our Franchise webpage to make it easier for consumers and businesses to access important registration tools and information. Through ComOnline, users can now search franchisors, file or renew registrations, and check registration status. The CARDS database also offers public access to 10 years of franchise documents and regulatory filings, all in one place.

*Franchises webpage* [ [link removed] ]

MN Power
*Minnesota Power Acquisition Settlement Ensures Affordable, Clean Energy and Reliable Service for Minnesotans*

Commerce reached a settlement with Minnesota Power that will allow ALLETE, the parent company of Minnesota Power, an electric utility serving 145,000 customers in northeastern Minnesota, to transition to new ownership under Global Infrastructure Partners and Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board in a way that protects the public interest.  

The acquisition will help ensure that Minnesota Power has access to the capital needed to affordably and reliably support load growth and economic development in Minnesota. This settlement also includes a first-of-its-kind investment fund for clean firm resources that will support Minnesota Power’s work in meeting the state’s clean energy standards. 

*Press release* [ [link removed] ]






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Commerce in the News

* MPR: ‘Big beautiful bill’ won’t kill clean energy in Minnesota, but will make it more costly [ [link removed] ]

* Frazee Forum: Vergas receives Minnesota GreenStep Cities award [ [link removed] ]

* Solar Cell: West central Minnesota secures over $2M for clean energy projects [ [link removed] ]





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Get updates and news from the Minnesota Department of Commerce at mn.gov/commerce [ [link removed] ] or @MNCommerce on social media.

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*Minnesota Department of Commerce*
85 7th Place East, Suite 280
St. Paul, MN 55101

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