Minnesota Department of Commerce

May is senior fraud awareness month. Fraudsters often target seniors with schemes involving Medicare, fake tech support, romance scams, and phony investment opportunities. These scams can be convincing, using urgent language or spoofed phone numbers to pressure people into giving up personal information or money. Reminding loved ones to pause, hang up, and verify can prevent significant financial harm. If you or someone you know has been targeted, report the scam right away — early reporting helps stop scammers and protects others. Taking a few minutes to share these alerts can make a real difference in keeping our older community members safe. https://lnkd.in/gj84Dv2u

Attention Contractors: Two Air Source Heat Pump Trainings Coming to Moorhead! If you’re looking to strengthen your heat pump sales or installation skills, Commerce is offering two in‑person training opportunities on May 19 and 20 in Moorhead, MN. Both sessions are designed to help contractors confidently sell, size, and install air source heat pumps — just in time for a busy season. Air Source Heat Pump Comfort Advisor Training  Who it’s for: Comfort Advisors / selling technicians  Learn how to communicate with homeowners, gather project details, and develop effective bids.  📅 Tuesday, May 19 | 8am – 12pm Air Source Heat Pump Installer Training  Who it’s for: Installers with EPA 608 certification (Comfort Advisors and service techs also welcome). Deep‑dive into installation best practices, performance optimization, and hands‑on learning. 📅 Tuesday, May 19 | 1pm – 4:30pm  📅 Wednesday, May 20 | 8am – 4pm If you or your team work with heat pumps, these sessions are a great way to build confidence, improve performance, and deliver better results for homeowners. Learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/gd57Txf5 

Minnesota is seeing emerging trends in student loan repayment. More than 85,000 Minnesotans are already delinquent on their student loans, and new repayment plans expected after July 1, 2026 may affect even more borrowers. The Commerce Department’s Student Loan Advocate Program is here to help. Our Student Loan Advocate, Jabra Kawas supports borrowers who need guidance, help with servicers, or information about their consumer protections. If you are experiencing issues related to repayment, borrower challenges, or consumer protections reach out to Jabra at jabra.kawas@state.mn.us. Watch this YouTube video to learn more about how Commerce can help. https://lnkd.in/gvGe8yJJ 

Scales at the grocery store. Gas station pumps. Jewelry store scales. Our Weights and Measures Division crew inspects them all to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. Our 14 inspectors across the state inspected about 38,000 gas pumps and 9,500 scales last year. They also responded to about 200 consumer complaints. Check out this KARE11 story to learn more about how our inspectors help protect consumers every day. And if you run into problems at your local gas station or grocery store, give us a call at 651-539-1555. #weightsandmeasures #mncommerce https://lnkd.in/diWQ9nj4 

Happy Earth Day!  We were proud to celebrate Clean Energy Business Day 2026 at the Capitol. Minnesota’s clean energy community continues to demonstrate resilience, leadership, and momentum. And special thanks to Assistant Commissioner Lissa Pawlisch for speaking on behalf of Commerce. Yesterday’s program highlighted how Minnesota is advancing toward its 100% carbon-free electricity law, supported by utility energy resource plans and major private-sector investments. Wind, solar, and energy efficiency remain central to this progress, with new workforce initiatives already expanding weatherization and heat pump training across the state. Minnesota’s new data center legislation is opening the door to historic clean energy investments. Additional opportunities in storage and geothermal are also emerging, strengthening job growth and community benefits statewide. Clean Energy Business Day also highlighted Minnesota’s strong clean energy workforce, record-breaking job growth, and continued innovation in areas such as sustainable aviation fuel, electric vehicle infrastructure, and advanced energy technologies. Thank you to all the businesses, workers, and partners who continue to drive Minnesota’s clean energy economy forward. https://lnkd.in/gyAXVnyN  

The Bemidji Pioneer shared an important op‑ed from Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold on what too many Minnesotans are facing after extreme weather: insurance delays, disputes, and confusion that slow down recovery. Since the derecho in Beltrami County and Bemidji, Commerce has met with homeowners, recovered nearly $300,000 in claim payments, and heard firsthand the challenges families are still navigating. We’re committed to showing up, listening, and pushing for a system that works better for Minnesotans—because recovering from storm damage shouldn’t be harder than the storm itself. If you’re having trouble with your insurance company or have questions about your coverage, our Consumer Services Center is here to help: www.mn.gov/commerce or 651‑539‑1600. https://lnkd.in/gKyA2-hD 

We’re excited to celebrate Financial Literacy Month this April. The Minnesota Department of Commerce oversees a range of banking and financial services for Minnesotans. Whether you're opening a bank account, purchasing a home, or seeking advisers to help you reach your financial goals, Commerce is here to help. We assist and protect Minnesota consumers, and work to ensure a marketplace that is competitive and fair. Some events we’re excited about this month are:  -A budget simulation for student at Woodbury High School  -Presenting at an AARP Twin Cities Scam Jam on scam awareness and protections  -Engaging with seniors at the Chaska Senior Expo on elder fraud awareness  -Judging the MCEE Personal Finance Challenge where high school students practice real world skills in managing money and solving problems Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gDbn5hha 

Apply now for funding through Minnesota’s Electric School Bus Grant Program! Funding supports school districts across the state in transitioning to clean, reliable electric student transportation. Eligible applicants include independent and special school districts, Tribal contract schools, transportation providers, and utilities representing a school district. Funding levels range from covering 80-90% of bus costs, and 65-95% of other eligible expenses. Up to $3.3 million will be awarded in this round. The grant can be used for: • Purchasing up to three new electric school buses or repowering existing buses  • Installing charging infrastructure  • Administering vehicle and charger procurement  Apply now through June 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. The RFP and full details are available at Mn.gov/ElectricSchoolBus 

Improving your home’s energy efficiency is one of the most impactful ways to reduce energy use, lower utility bills, and increase comfort year-round. A few steps that make a big difference: -Start with an advanced home energy assessment to identify air leaks, insulation needs, and upgrade opportunities  -Seal windows and doors to reduce heating and cooling costs  -Choose ENERGY STAR appliances and lighting  -Regularly tune and maintain heating and cooling systems  -Explore renewable energy options like solar once the basics are in place For those who qualify, the Weatherization Assistance Program may cover these costs. Contact your utility provider, many offer home energy assessments at a discounted rate. Minnesota residents can also explore upcoming incentives that support energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gSEG_4TP 

The Minnesota Department of Commerce works alongside people and businesses across our state to protect consumers, act as a trusted resource, and help everyone have a chance to thrive in a fair and reliable marketplace. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, paying your bills, or rebuilding after a disaster, Commerce is there – providing oversight, answers, and support when you need it. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/giFfshsS