Minnesota

POLITICAL HOMEPAGE

Elk Creek Solar - Motion Granted

April 13, 2026

Read Full Ramsey County District Court Ruling >>

The Ramsey County District Court judge reviewed the evidence and arguments presented at a January 2025 hearing. On Monday, April 13th, the court granted Elk Creek’s petition. The decision clarified that the court found sufficient grounds to immediately halt DLI’s enforcement efforts while affirming Elk Creek’s interpretation of the governing statutes.

Additionally, the judge ruled that the Elk Creek Solar project, as permitted by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, operates on the “supply side” of the service point, placing it under the jurisdiction of the NESC rather than DLI. The court held that there is an exemption in Minnesota Statute that applies to Elk Creek’s project.

Consequently, the court permanently prohibits DLI from enforcing electrical permit or inspection actions against Elk Creek or similar non-public utility entities working within the scope of this statutory exemption. This ruling paves the way for numerous large-scale projects to be completed by developers who use primarily union carpenters. The misinterpretation and application of the statute has prevented us from doing years worth of solar work.