Fluence Forum

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Conversations on critical issues.

JAN 26

Policy Considerations: Utilities, Co-ops, and Labor on the Path Ahead

In this panel, moderator John Burns (Carnival Burns) gathers a diverse group of industry heavyweights to discuss the practical policy considerations facing Minnesota leaders. The conversation brings together the perspectives of an investor-owned utility, rural electric co-ops, and organized labor. Jim Pearson (Xcel Energy), Darrick Moe (Minnesota Rural Electric Association), and Lucas Franco (LIUNA) explore the critical intersection of policy and infrastructure. The group finds strong consensus on several major issues, most notably the need to lift Minnesota's moratorium on new nuclear energy to ensure reliability and meet carbon-free goals. The panel also dives into the explosion of data center demand and the necessity of permitting reform to keep those projects—and jobs—in Minnesota. They discuss the untapped potential of geothermal energy, the flexibility of the co-op model, and the future of the Renewable Development Account (RDA).

34 min
JAN 26

The Legislative Leaders: Diverging Paths to a Common Goal

In the final session of the forum, Laura Bordelon (Minnesota Chamber of Commerce) moderates a candid and often sharp dialogue between two of the state's most influential energy legislators: Senator Nick Frentz (DFL), Chair of the Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate Committee, and Representative Chris Swedzinski (R), Co-Chair of the House Energy Finance and Policy Committee. The conversation highlights the stark contrast in philosophy between the two parties. While Senator Frentz emphasizes that the transition to clean energy is now driven by economics—stating that "wind unsubsidized is now the lowest cost"—Representative Swedzinski argues that Minnesota is "skating to where the puck has been" rather than where it is going, warning that the state is ignoring the massive energy demands of the coming digital industrial revolution. The legislators debate the future of data centers, with Rep. Swedzinski questioning the wisdom of exporting electrons rather than importing jobs, and Senator Frentz calling for a "data center friendly state" that still protects ratepayers. They also spar over the Renewable Development Account (RDA), the path to lifting the nuclear moratorium, and the "Not In My Backyard" challenges of building new transmission lines.

34 min
JAN 26

The Future of Energy: Financing, Innovation, and Infrastructure

In this episode of the Fluence Forum, moderator Drew Christensen leads a high-level discussion on the financial and operational realities of Minnesota's energy transition. The panel features Kari Groth Swan (Executive Director, Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority) and Gregg Mast (Executive Director, Clean Energy Economy Minnesota), who dive into the "green bank" model and how public-private partnerships are unlocking capital for clean energy projects. They explore how Minnesota is leveraging federal funds and state innovation to drive economic growth while meeting ambitious 2040 climate goals. Joining them is P.J. Martin, Vice President of Integrated Planning at Xcel Energy, who provides the utility perspective on the "Iron Triangle" of reliability, affordability, and sustainability. The group discusses the critical need for firm, dispatchable power—including the future of nuclear energy—and the challenges of building out the grid to meet surging demand from electrification and data centers. Tune in for a strategic look at how Minnesota plans to pay for, build, and maintain the energy system of the future.

37 min
JAN 26

The State of Energy in Minnesota: Reliability, Affordability, and the Path to 2040

Energy policy has rapidly become a top issue for voters and businesses alike, and Minnesota stands at the forefront of this transition. In this episode of the Fluence Forum, host Blois Olson is joined by a panel of key energy leaders—Zac Ruzycki (Great River Energy), Pete Wyckoff (MN Dept. of Commerce), and P.J. Martin (Xcel Energy)—to unpack the complex reality of powering the North Star State. As Minnesota moves to retire its coal fleet and accelerate toward carbon-free electricity by 2040, how do utilities balance ambitious climate goals with the need to keep lights on and bills affordable? The panel dives deep into the state's infrastructure challenges, discussing everything from the explosion of demand from data centers to the critical role of wind, solar, and battery storage. Plus, a look at the controversial future of nuclear power: Is it time to lift the state moratorium to ensure a reliable baseload, or are costs still too high? Tune in for a candid, high-level discussion on what it will take to build a competitive and resilient energy future for Minnesota.

37 min
12/18/2025

Legislative Panel: Does Minnesota Need a New Plan?

In this reaction-focused episode, host Blois Olson is joined by Mary Krinkie of the Minnesota Hospital Association to lead a deep-dive conversation with two of the state's most influential healthcare policymakers: Senator Matt Klein (DFL, District 53) and Representative Danny Nadeau (R, District 34A). As Minnesota navigates a shifting healthcare landscape marked by federal funding cuts and a rising number of legislative retirements, our guests debate a critical question: Does Minnesota need a new healthcare plan?.

43 min
12/18/2025

What Can the State Do with Fewer Resources, Slower Growth, and Aging Population?

Host Jim Schowalter is joined by Joe Schindler (VP of Finance, MN Hospital Association), Lucas Nesse (President/CEO, Minnesota Health Plans) and Anne Neu Brindley (Policy Director, Minnesota Business Partnership) to examine how Minnesota and other states are uniquely positioned to lead healthcare innovation in the face of federal uncertainty. The conversation explores the shifting dynamics between federal regulation and state-level enforcement, as well as the critical role of state funding in maintaining public health systems.

40 min
12/18/2025

State of the Healthcare Market from All Perspectives

Blois Olson leads a critical discussion on the evolving relationship between Minnesota's healthcare payers and providers. As the industry faces mounting financial pressures and shifting care models, this episode examines how collaboration—and friction—between these two pillars is shaping the future of patient care. Blois is joined by Jeremy Drucker (Assistant Commissioner, MMB), Libby Callum (CEO, MNSure) and Tom Lindquist (CSO, Medica).

40 min
12/16/2025

The Fragility of Rural Healthcare

In this episode, Blois Olson looks into why rural health care is struggling and what can be done to help rural Minnesotans with Dr. Carrie Henning-Smith (Associate Professor, UMN School of Public Health), Rhonda Kazik, DNP, RN, CENP, FAAN (Chief Nurse Executive, Essentia) and John Fox (Secretary and Treasurer, MN Ambulance Association & Director, Dodge Center Ambulance).

33 min

8 Episodes

Conversations on critical issues.

Creator

Fuence Forum
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

8
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Fluence Forum