Minneslate Logo

HF2986 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Additional information in a public utility's resource plan required, public utilities directed to file a virtual power plant tariff and program with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, cost recovery provided, and reports required.

Related bill: SF3209

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The main purpose of the bill is to enhance energy management and sustainability in Minnesota by updating the requirements for public utilities' resource planning. It aims to promote the use of virtual power plants and encourages the integration of renewable energy sources to meet future energy demands.

Main Provisions

  • Resource Plan Requirements: Public utilities must periodically file a resource plan with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. This plan needs to detail how 50% and 75% of future energy needs will be met through conservation and renewable energy sources.
  • Virtual Power Plant Integration: Public utilities are required to create and submit a tariff and program for virtual power plants. These are systems that aggregate distributed energy resources and can be operated as a single power plant.
  • Peak Demand Reduction: Utilities must include an estimate of how virtual power plant programs will reduce summer and winter peak energy demands.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 216B.2422 to require public utilities to include additional information in their resource plans, specifically regarding the contribution of virtual power plants to reducing peak demands.
  • It introduces new legal requirements for tariff and program filings concerning virtual power plants under Minnesota Statutes chapter 216B.

Relevant Terms

virtual power plant, public utility, resource plan, renewable energy, conservation, peak demand, energy management, tariff, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 31, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnergy Finance and Policy
April 06, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill references the definition of a public utility as outlined in section 216B.02.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "216B.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 4"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Requirement to include the least cost plan for energy needs from new and refurbished generating facilities."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends section 216B.2422, subdivision 2 related to resource plan filing and approval for utilities.",
      "modified": [
        "Changes approval conditions for resource plans in context of public interest and other jurisdiction comparisons."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216B.2422",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors