Friends and neighbors, 

I have frequently warned of the consequences that the Democrats’ relentless push toward renewable energy is having on household budgets, especially as we move to shut down our reliable sources of baseload power. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal brought attention to the situation unfolding in California with this very issue. It is cautionary tale – with Democrats in complete control of state government, Minnesota is headed down a similar perilous path.  

The article paints a stark picture of Californians struggling to cope with skyrocketing electricity bills. It is a direct consequence of the state’s aggressive efforts to electrify its grid and transition to green energy. In the desert community of Borrego Springs, residents are seeing their power bills soar to unprecedented levels. One homeowner reported a staggering $1,873.90 bill in June – more than her $1,200 monthly rent! Grocery store owners are grappling with the reality of their electricity costs approaching their rent payments, forcing them to make difficult choices like closing off sections of their stores to conserve energy. 

Democrats have already started to take us in this direction, most recently with the 2023 Blackout Bill. But there is more to come. The WSJ story is what awaits us in Minnesota if we continue to follow California’s lead. It is simply unsustainable. We must continue fighting these misguided policies that are crushing family budgets. 

Reliability and affordability must be our top energy priority. 

If you have any questions, please reach out any time. 

God Bless, 

Glenn Gruenhagen
Minnesota State Senator