Felber appointed to state energy transition committee

by Joni Astrup

Associate Editor

Sherburne County Commissioner Gregg Felber has been appointed to the state Energy Transition Advisory Committee.

The appointment was made by Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek. Felber’s term runs through Jan. 3, 2028.

Felber, of Orrock Township, said he applied for the appointment because he directly represents the city of Becker and Becker Township, which are in his commissioner district and are the communities that are most affected by the ongoing transition from coal to solar energy production.

“I want to be on the committee because there is a lot more work that needs to be done to support the citizens of Sherburne County and across the state that will be affected by the energy transition process,” he said.

Sherburne County Administrator Bruce Messelt said they believe having a seat at the table and a voice in state discussions about energy transition benefits Sherburne County greatly.

“We are better informed and better able to participate in the development of statewide approaches, policies and, hopefully, legislation to assist these communities in transition,” Messelt said.

The coal-fired Sherco power plant is located in Becker. Xcel Energy retired one of three coal units on Dec. 31, which Xcel said at the time is a major step toward its vision of delivering 100% carbon-free electricity in Minnesota by 2040.

Xcel Energy plans to retire Sherco’s remaining coal-fired units in 2026 and 2030.

The power plant accounts for 71% of the tax base for the city of Becker and 10% of Sherburne County’s tax base.

The Energy Transition Advisory Committee was originally formed to create an energy transition plan, which was completed in 2022, Felber said.

“The original ETAC plan provides many good general recommendations, but there still is a need to address specific issues and to ensure that the recommended support is delivered,” he said.

The advisory committee consists of 18 voting members and eight ex officio nonvoting members. In addition to Felber, the other county representative is from Itasca County. City representatives are from Red Wing and Oak Park Heights. State Rep. Shane Mekeland, R-Clear Lake, is also on the committee.

In a related matter, DEED also hosted an energy transition summit held last June in Becker, which Felber attended.