The Minnesota Department of Commerce is a state government agency responsible for regulating various business and financial sectors within Minnesota. Established as part of the state’s executive branch, the department oversees consumer protection, financial services, insurance, telecommunications, energy, and weights and measures. The department operates the Minnesota Relay service (mnrelay.org), which provides telecommunications access for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, or have speech disabilities. This service enables communication between standard telephone users and people who use text-based telecommunications devices or video relay services. Key responsibilities of the Department of Commerce include licensing and regulation of financial institutions, securities firms, insurance companies, and real estate professionals. The agency also investigates consumer complaints, enforces state commerce laws, and advocates for consumer rights in regulated industries. The department’s energy division oversees utility regulations, energy conservation programs, and renewable energy initiatives. It also maintains the Weights and Measures Division, which ensures accuracy in commercial weighing and measuring devices throughout the state. The agency is headed by a commissioner appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state senate. It operates with statutory authority derived from Minnesota state laws and maintains offices in St. Paul, Minnesota.