Cooperative Energy Futures

05/27/2026

They don’t want you to know this stuff. This is why it’s so important to stay educated and vigilant.

05/20/2026

Thank you for your words, Mia. We believe in renewable energy access for EVERYONE. This world is all of ours to share and take care of. Join us in building an affordable and communal energy future for all of us.

05/20/2026

Meet the MnSEIA Board!

👋 Pouya Najmaie
📃 Policy & Regulatory Director at Cooperative Energy Futures
⚡ Focused on expanding access to community solar in Minnesota
🌿 Outside of work, you can find Pouya hiking and camping with friends and family

Interested in getting more involved with MnSEIA? Board applications open soon. Stay tuned for details on how you can help shape the future of solar in Minnesota.

05/14/2026

Power plants are constantly running and all around us, yet most people don’t even know what they do or how they work. We want to change that.

05/12/2026

There are just 3 days left to nominate yourself or someone else for the Cooperative Energy Futures Board of Directors! Nominations close May 15 at the end of the day.

At CEF, we’re building a more just, community-centered energy future through renewable energy that is locally rooted and member-owned. Our Board plays an important role in helping guide that vision as we continue to grow across Minnesota.

We’re especially interested in candidates with experience in:
• Accounting
• Legal
• Information Technology
• Human Resources
• Community Outreach
• Commercial Real Estate

We’re also looking for perspectives that reflect both urban and rural Minnesota, including individuals who currently live in rural communities or can help represent those experiences.

That said, all members who are interested in serving are encouraged to run. Diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and a passion for community-powered energy matter too.

Nominate yourself or someone else here: https://forms.gle/g5MGFjJ7yNTjfmYQ6

Help shape the future of clean energy in Minnesota by submitting a nomination before May 15 EOD.

Thank you for your interest in helping build Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF). CEF exists to make clean energy accessible to all. Our cooperative develops and owns community solar projects, affordable housing solar projects, operates an energy efficiency program targeted to income-qualified homeowne...

05/12/2026

Energy bills are rising across Minnesota, and too many families, seniors, renters, and rural communities are struggling to keep up.

The good news? There’s a solution on the table. Expanding Minnesota’s Energy Assistance Program would help more households get the support they need to keep the lights on and stay safe year-round.

This program already helps tens of thousands of Minnesotans, but current funding isn’t enough to meet the growing need.

Now is the time to speak up. Contact your legislators and urge them to pass the Energy Assistance Expansion bill (formerly SF 486/HF 771, now moving forward in the Senate energy omnibus SF 4504).

Take action here: https://win.newmode.net/tunheim/expandenergyassistancerealreliefforenergybills

At Cooperative Energy Futures, we believe energy should be affordable, accessible, and community-centered for everyone.

Here in Minnesota, we know the cost of living is going up, and that includes our energy bills. Families, seniors, renters, and rural communities are struggling to keep up with the cost of keeping their lights on. What can be done? Expand the Energy Assistance Program. This program already helps tens...

05/05/2026

Want to learn more about what it takes to become a board member at CEF?

We hosted a Board Info Session last week and made sure to record it for anyone who couldn't attend.

Want to apply for our board?Based on CEF's plans for growth in the coming years, the Staff and Board have identified some areas of expertise that would great...

05/05/2026

This is exactly why we need to stay vigilant and educated on our utility bills. Learn more about how we can stop the raising prices at the link in our bio.

05/05/2026

Energy bills are rising across Minnesota and too many families are falling behind.

Right now, Minnesotans owe over $145 million in past-due energy bills.

There’s a solution: expand the Energy Assistance Program. It already helps tens of thousands of households, but funding isn’t keeping up with the need.

The Minnesota Senate is advancing a proposal to add $15 million in funding through SF 4504 Minnesota energy omnibus bill — and the vote is happening today.

This funding means real relief for families, seniors, renters, and rural communities trying to keep the lights on and their homes warm.

Take 2 minutes: email your legislators and tell them to pass the Energy Assistance expansion.
https://win.newmode.net/tunheim/expandenergyassistancerealreliefforenergybills

Make it personal. Your voice matters and they need to hear it now.

04/29/2026

Energy Assistance is a lifeline for thousands of Minnesotans every year, but it is not reaching nearly enough people.

For over 45 years, this program has helped income-qualified renters and homeowners stay warm, avoid shutoffs, and access additional support like weatherization that lowers energy costs long term. It serves about 130,000 households each season and connects families to other essential services.

But here is the reality:
Only about 25% of eligible households receive assistance.

Meanwhile, Minnesotans are more than $100 million behind on utility bills, and shutoffs have hit record highs, impacting over 90,000 people each of the past two years.

Even more concerning, support is not available when it is needed most. The majority of shutoffs happen in the summer months, when assistance typically is not offered. And as temperatures rise, the lack of cooling support puts vulnerable communities, especially seniors, children, and those with health conditions, at serious risk.

Most states have already adapted. 31 states and territories now offer cooling assistance.

Minnesota can too.

Energy assistance should meet people where they are, year round.

Take action and tell your legislators to expand energy assistance:
https://win.newmode.net/tunheim/expandenergyassistancerealreliefforenergybills