Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support energy independence for Minnesota Tribal governments by ensuring they can install electricity-producing facilities on their lands without interference from electric utilities.

Main Provisions

• Electricity Production in Indian Country: The bill prohibits electric utilities from restricting the installation of electric generation facilities by Minnesota Tribal governments. This applies specifically to buildings owned and operated by Tribal governments.

• Exclusive Service Rights: Normally, each electric utility has exclusive rights to provide electric service in its area. This bill modifies those rights, specifically for Tribal governments, allowing them to generate their own electricity independently.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Modification of Service Rights: The current law gives electric utilities the exclusive right to provide electricity within designated areas. This bill amends the existing law, creating an exception for Tribal governments, allowing them to install their own electricity generating facilities on lands they own and operate.

Relevant Terms

• Electric utility
• Tribal government
• Electricity production
• Indian Country
• Service area
• Electric generation facilities