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Minnesota farm field is battle ground for renewable energy dispute

Larry Rauenhorst and Rolly Rauenhorst filed complaints with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and District Court against the Renville-Sibley Cooperative Power Association, seeking retail rates for their 37-kilowatt solar system.
Renville-Sibley Cooperative CEO DeeAnn Norris stated the co-op refuses to pay retail rates, arguing the project in an empty field unfairly shares costs among members and lacks pre-existing service.
The Rauenhorsts invested more than $80,000 in 10 towers holding 80 solar electric generation panels and estimate missing $12,000 in electricity generation while the system remains disconnected from the grid.
Rolly Rauenhorst argues the cooperative's refusal represents a "clear violation" of Minnesota's net metering law, while the co-op insists disputes be resolved through arbitration under its bylaws.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission must first determine if it has jurisdiction over the small cooperative's policies while the University of Minnesota Morris researches farming feasibility under solar panels.

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Duluth News Tribune

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Minnesota farm field is battle ground for renewable energy dispute

OLIVIA, Minn. — Brothers Larry Rauenhorst and Rolly Rauenhorst believe the future belongs to electrification, and their conviction goes well beyond the vehicles driven on roadways. It goes all the way to the Renville County farm field that Larry Rauenhorst, now retired from farming, rents to an active farmer. The two brothers installed 10 towers standing 12 feet above the ground. The towers are dispersed from each other and hold a total of 80 so…

2 days ago·Cherokee County, United States

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