Reporter | Energy

Hughlett has primarily covered economics, business and workplace issues for 32 years at five newspapers. He grew up in Brooklyn Center.


Hackers exploited flaw in Eden Prairie firm's software in record year for ransomware attacks

Fortra software hack and that of a Massachusetts firm that struck the Minnesota Department of Education and UnitedHealthcare resulted in millions of compromised records.


Xcel Energy receives $70M federal grant for long-lasting grid battery in Becker

The grant from the U.S. Department of Energy will split between the project in Becker and one in Colorado, which are Xcel's largest markets.


Minnesota regulators vote to move forward the third large Xcel solar project in Becker

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the land acquisition and other details for the project.


Minnesota regulators stick with decision for smaller rate increase than Xcel wanted

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously to reject Xcel's request to reconsider the rate case decision.


Another $20M in federal funds for northern Minnesota Talon nickel mine

The Talon project, backed by Rio Tinto, will need to match the Department of Defense grant.


Duluth's Cirrus Aircraft flies high with Chinese owner

With business booming, Cirrus has filed for an IPO in Hong Kong. Still, it would remain controlled by the Chinese state as tensions rise between the U.S. and China.


Delta, Xcel push for sustainable aviation fuel hub in Minnesota

A manufacturer is needed to make those dreams a reality.


State OKs storing more nuclear waste at Xcel's Monticello plant

The PUC's vote is a key step to extend the life of the nuclear plant.


From promising to endangered, Minneapolis-based Foxo Technologies teeters on the brink

The Minneapolis life insurance firm is hit by weak sales, the termination of its CEO and an SEC investigation.


Minnesota electric co-ops band together to secure $970M in federal clean power money

Great River Energy is leading a group of Minnesota co-ops in applying to the USDA for grants and loans to reduce carbon emissions.