SF425

SF425 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Small natural gas utilities Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulation exemption eligibility provision

AI Generated Summary

The proposed bill, SF No 425, aims to modify the rules for when small natural gas utilities can be exempt from regulation by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Specifically, it changes the criteria such that small gas utilities serving 650 to 2,500 customers within a municipality, and no more than 5,000 customers outside the municipality, can seek an exemption from certain regulatory provisions. The municipality must file a request for this exemption, and the utility is still required to follow specific rules, like those governing disconnection during cold weather, and to keep the commission informed about rate and tariff changes. If a municipality decides to rescind the exemption request later, the utility will again be subject to regular commission regulations.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
January 20, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 20, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 20, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Referred to	Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
January 20, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
March 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Chief author stricken
March 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Chief author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A municipality can request an exemption for utilities serving up to 2,500 customers.",
        "Clarification that the public utility must file changes in rates for service outside municipality borders 30 days in advance."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifies the eligibility criteria for small natural gas utilities to be exempt from regulation under section 216B.16.",
      "modified": [
        "General exemption conditions and definitions related to small gas utilities.",
        "Adjustment of customer limit for exemption from 650 to 2,500."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216B.16",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 12"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Commission can initiate an investigation on its own or upon customer complaint for service outside a municipality when exemption is granted."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Allows for commission investigation on its own motion or upon complaint in cases covered by subdivision 12 of section 216B.16.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "216B.17",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]