The Minnesota Energy Storage Alliance (MESA)
About the Minnesota Energy Storage Alliance (MESA)
The Minnesota Energy Storage Alliance (MESA) was formed by interested volunteer stakeholders, based on the shared view that our state and region will be a strong market for energy storage. We aspire to be a Midwest forum to share knowledge; connect industry, utilities, researchers, policymakers, regulators, experts, and clean energy advocates; and advance smart policies to support energy storage. MESA is convened by the University of Minnesota’s Energy Transition Lab with support from the McKnight Foundation.
Our Mission
To lead in accelerating the development of energy storage in Minnesota and the Midwest Region. Click Here to Read More About Our Vision and Principles.
What We Do
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Organize and host the annual Energy Storage Summit. Learn more about the Summit here.
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Monitor and comment on energy storage-related activities at the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and the U.S. Department of Energy. See our comments here.
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Provide expert information and recommendations to Minnesota regulators and policymakers. See our comments here.
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Leverage our expert membership to provide thought leadership in many forums. Click Here to learn more about becoming a member today
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Support energy storage research, industry, and economic development.
Our Structure
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee represents a broad cross-section of energy stakeholders and experts. Current members include:
Ellen Anderson, Convenor Massoud Amin, U of MN
Holly Lahd, Fresh Energy Christine Andrews, Attorney
Hari Osofsky, U of MN Laureen Ross McKalib, Great River Energy
Ralph Jacobson, IPS Solar Brent Bergland, Mortenson Construction
Bria Shea, Xcel Energy Lise Trudeau, MN Department of Commerce
W. John Frederick, Energy Consultant Matt Prorok, Great Plains Institute
Phyllis Reha, Par Energy Solutions Beth Soholt, Wind on the Wires
Jenny Edwards, Center for Energy and Environment (CEE)
John Kearney, MN Solar Energy Industry Association (MNSEIA)
Rao Konidena, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO)
Committees
- Policy & Markets Barriers and Solutions Committee, focuses on overall energy storage legal, regulatory, policy, and market issues.
- State Policy Sub-Committee focuses on the Public Utilities Commission and State Legislature.
- Regional Markets Sub-Committee, focuses on MISO rules and wholesale market policies.
- Committees in Formation: Knowledge Sharing and Outreach Committee, Industry & Research Development Committee
Funding
Minnesota Energy Storage Alliance (MESA) funding is provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Energy Transition Lab. The Energy Transition Lab (ETL) is funded by the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment, the Office of the Vice President for Research, and the Law School, as well as by grants from the McKnight Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. ETL is actively seeking additional funding to support MESA’s work.
Tagged Energy Policy, Energy Storage, MESA, MISO, PUC
