(The Center Square) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will give $62 million for solar projects in Minnesota that intend to lower energy costs for families.

The Solar for All grant will support solar programs serving low-income and disadvantaged communities.

“We can tackle climate change while saving families money. These grants are a great example of how we can make that happen,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement. “Minnesota’s health, wellbeing, and economic future depend on us taking climate seriously. This grant is a major step in the right direction as we continue to create clean energy jobs and move toward 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.”

“The Solar for All grant will save Minnesotans money, reduce energy costs, and reduce pollution from carbon emissions,” Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold said in a statement. “This grant is one of the many ways we are leveraging federal funds to invest in clean energy for healthier, safer homes for families and communities across Minnesota, especially low-income households and communities most affected by our changing climate.”

Minnesota’s grant is one of 60 announced by the EPA as part of the $7 billion in Solar for All grants nationwide. The EPA estimates the solar energy initiatives will save $8 billion in energy costs for about 900,000 households.

In 2022, The U.S. Energy Information Administration said renewable resources supplied 31% of Minnesota’s total in-state electricity generation, three-fourths of it from wind. Coal fueled 27% of electricity generation, nuclear power supplied 24%, and natural gas contributed 18% in the same year.

Minnesota aims for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.