What a southern Minnesota solar dispute could mean for renewable energy projects in rural, tribal areas

A tribal nation is one step closer to switching on a large solar project in southwestern Minnesota. The Upper Sioux Community installed rows of solar panels to power its casino in 2024. The project means the tribe plans to buy less electricity from its local utility, the Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light and Power Association. The cooperative then threatened to cut off power to the casino. A judge ruled in favor of the tribe in early June. Now, the dispute is up to state regulators to decide. A spokesperson with the Public Utilities Commission said a public comment period is open through July 22 and the commission is likely to take up the issue this fall.Gabriel Chan is a University of Minnesota professor focused on energy policy. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to talk about how the case fits into the landscape of efforts to transition to renewable electricity across the state.