1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; providing for large solar energy electric generation 
1.3 	demonstration conservation improvement project; amending Minnesota Statutes 
1.4 	2008, section 216B.241, by adding a subdivision.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 216B.241, is amended by adding a 
1.7 	subdivision to read:
1.8 		Subd. 5c.Large solar electric generating plant. (a) For the purpose of this 
1.9 	subdivision:
1.10 	(1) "project" means a solar electric generation project consisting of arrays of solar 
1.11 	photovoltaic cells with a capacity of up to two megawatts located on the site of a closed 
1.12 	landfill owned by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; and
1.13 	(2) "cooperative electric association" means a generation and transmission 
1.14 	cooperative electric association that has a member distribution cooperative association to 
1.15 	which it provides wholesale electric service in whose service territory a project is located.
1.16 	(b) A cooperative electric association may include in its conservation plan purchases 
1.17 	of electric energy from a project. The cost-effectiveness of project purchases may be 
1.18 	determined by a different standard than for other energy conservation improvements 
1.19 	under this section if the commissioner determines that doing so is in the public interest 
1.20 	in order to encourage solar energy. The kilowatt hours of solar energy purchased from a 
1.21 	project may be counted toward the energy-savings goal required under subdivision 1c. 
1.22 	Expenditures made by a cooperative association for the purchase of energy from a project 
1.23 	may not be used to meet the revenue expenditure requirements of subdivisions 1a and 1b.