New Energy Equity achieves Silver Certification for advancements in diversity

Annapolis, MD — New Energy Equity, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE Inc. (NYSE:ALE), announced today it has achieved Silver certification through the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice (DEIJ) Certification Program from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Earning this certification demonstrates New Energy’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace and culture in the solar industry.

“Earning the Silver Certification from SEIA’s DEIJ program is a significant milestone and proud moment for our organization,” said Lindsey Gillis, New Energy’s Chief Administrative Officer. “New Energy’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion continues to foster an inclusive environment that provides opportunities for professional and personal growth and where employees feel empowered to be their authentic selves.”

To earn the Silver Certification, the company completed a series of content modules in the association’s DEIJ program. The modules also aligned with New Energy Equity initiatives such as launching the company’s professional development program, where participating employees gain access to e-Cornell courses and training sessions. Other initiatives based on employee feedback and DEIJ program guidance include hosting cultural awareness sessions to learn about their colleagues’ varied experiences and communities and improving employee benefits such as extending parental leave to eight weeks at full pay.

SEIA’s DEIJ program uses evidence-based approaches to improve diversity practices within companies. The program guides participants through a broad range of modules on diversity topics, requiring them to complete activities that help create a more inclusive work environment; serve the communities in which they work; and attract, hire, promote and retain diverse talent. By completing each series of modules, companies earn levels of certification. Learn more about the program at learn.seia.org.

New Energy Equity is working toward achieving SEIA’s DEIJ Gold Certification by the end of 2024.

New Energy Equity LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE (NYSE:ALE), develops, finances, operates, and manages solar power generation assets, providing clean electricity to commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers under long-term contracts. New Energy Equity has successfully developed over 500 megawatts of solar projects and closed more than $1.2 billion in clean energy investments. To learn more, visit https://www.newenergyequity.com.

ALLETE, Inc. is an energy company headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota. In addition to its electric utilities, Minnesota Power and Superior Water, Light and Power of Wisconsin, ALLETE owns ALLETE Clean Energy, based in Duluth; BNI Energy in Bismarck, N.D.; and New Energy Equity, headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland; and has an 8% equity interest in the American Transmission Co. More information about ALLETE is available at www.allete.com.

The statements contained in this release and statements that ALLETE may make orally in connection with this release that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and investors are directed to the risks discussed in documents filed by ALLETE with the Securities and Exchange Commission.