For Immediate Release, May 04, 2020

Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley announced new leadership for the department’s Division of Energy Resources, appointing Aditya Ranade, Ph.D., as Deputy Commissioner of Energy Resources.

“I am pleased to announce this appointment, particularly because Dr. Ranade has a strong background in the private sector,” said Commerce Commissioner Kelley. “His knowledge of current and emerging technology brings a unique skill set that will diversify the Commerce Department’s approach.”

He has more than 14 years of experience in energy and environment sectors, across research and development, venture capital, marketing, consulting and both national and global experience, added Commissioner Kelley.

“Minnesota has been known as a national leader in setting and achieving renewable energy goals,” said Commissioner Kelley. “Clean energy investments may be essential to our recovery from the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

As Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Ranade will work with the Commissioner to represent and implement the Walz-Flanagan administration’s clean energy and climate goals. He will directly oversee the Energy Planning and Advocacy unit and the State Energy Office.

Prior to coming to Commerce, he worked at 3M where he led a team of engineers to launch sensors and edge computing systems for electrical distribution grids, led a joint venture in Israel and corporate venture investments in start-ups in California and Ontario, Canada. Additionally, Dr. Ranade served as co-founder and partner at Two Degrees Adapt, a climate adaptation technology advisory firm. He co-founded Aerio Technologies and helped develop a database of potential renewable natural gas (RNG) projects. He is an adjunct professor at the University of St Thomas.

Dr. Ranade graduated with a bachelor’s of polymer engineering degree from the University of Pune in Pune, India, and earned his Ph.D in macromolecular science from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He has a MBA in finance and global management from the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Dr. Ranade will start with the Minnesota Department of Commerce on May 11.

The Division of Energy Resources administers the state’s energy programs and policies, which have helped make Minnesota a clean energy leader. In addition to its work helping Minnesota reach and exceed its renewable energy goals, the Division advocates on behalf of the public interest at the Public Utilities Commission to ensure safe and reliable energy, while protecting ratepayers from unnecessary utility rate increases. The Division also oversees the state’s Energy Assistance Program, helping 320,000 Minnesotans stay warm each winter.

The opening in the Deputy Commissioner position was created when Governor Tim Walz appointed the previous deputy commissioner to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

With You Every Day

Wherever you are in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption or rebuilding after a disaster—we are with you, no matter what.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce oversees more than 20 regulated industries, ensuring that Minnesota businesses are strong and Minnesota consumers are protected. Our mission is to protect the public interest, advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a strong, competitive and fair marketplace, strengthen the state’s economic future and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses.

Media Contact: Minnesota Department of Commerce Brian Strub,Assistant Director of Communications, brian.strub@state.mn.us 651-539-1464