From Rep. Mary Franson <[email protected]>
Subject Interim Update from Rep. Franson
Date July 18, 2025 12:50 PM
  Links have been removed from this email. Learn more in the FAQ.
  Links have been removed from this email. Learn more in the FAQ.
Having trouble viewing this email?  [ [link removed] ]View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].






Franson Banner









Good morning!

I want to share with you this interesting article I found this week about energy consumption and sources. It came from the group called Truth in Energy and Climate [ [link removed] ]. Here is a short summary of the article:

"Solar panels produce power when the sun is shining, but output drops sharply during cloudy weather, at night, and during early morning or evening hours. This mismatch creates a problem known as the "duck curve [ [link removed] ]" "(pictured below)"—a steep drop in solar production during peak demand hours, typically from 5 to 9 p.m."

"California, for example, with 1.8 million rooftop solar systems and a mandate requiring solar on all new homes, regularly produces too much power during daylight hours. They sometimes pay neighboring states to take the excess electricity just to protect their grid. Ratepayers cover the cost. Then, as solar production falls off, traditional sources like natural gas and coal must quickly ramp up to meet demand."

"Nuclear energy, which runs continuously except during brief maintenance periods, helps stabilize the grid. But the growing imbalance caused by solar requires serious attention."

This was insightful to read, and quite alarming as well. It is exactly why energy policy must balance renewables with reliability. Solar power has its place, but it does not work when people need it most. Early mornings, evenings, and bad weather all reduce or eliminate solar output. That creates serious challenges, known as the duck curve.

States like California are now dealing with the results of over-relying on solar. They often produce too much during the day and pay other states to take the excess. Then they still need to fire up coal, gas, or nuclear as the sun sets. It is inefficient and expensive, and their ratepayers cover the cost.

Minnesota should learn from this. We need a balanced energy mix that includes constant, reliable sources like nuclear and natural gas. Relying on one option alone is not a serious strategy.

Curve




Events

I am happy to share that I have an opportunity to meet and answer your questions on Wednesday, July 23rd. I will be at the Jitters Java Cafe in Sauk Centre from 9:30 am - 11:00 am. I hope to see you there!

The 1st Annual Adler Ranch Retro Market [ [link removed] ] is coming up on July 25th and 26th, from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm both days. There will be many antique items for sale, along with games and refreshments for all who attend!

If you are interested in archery, you will want to check out this event! Minnesota State 3D Archery [ [link removed] ] is coming to town on August 2nd & 3rd. Registration in advance is required. 






Please Contact Me

If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-3201 or [email protected] I would love to hear from you.

It’s an honor to represent the best!

Franson Signature









Facebook Logo

 

/RepMaryFranson [ [link removed] ]





2802 Centennial Office Building          658 Cedar Street                              Saint Paul, MN 55155 [email protected]
651.296.3201







________________________________________________________________________

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

This service is provided to you at no charge by Minnesota House GOP [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota House GOP · 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. · Saint Paul, MN 55155 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]
Screenshot of the email generated on import

Message Analysis

  • Sender: n/a
  • Political Party: n/a
  • Country: n/a
  • State/Locality: n/a
  • Office: n/a
  • Email Providers:
    • govDelivery