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 in Olmsted county 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 elect to count all of its purchases of 
1.17 	electric energy from a project toward only one of the following:
1.18 	(1) its energy-savings goal under subdivision 1c; or
1.19 	(2) its energy objective or standard under section 216B.1691.
1.20 	(c) A cooperative electric association may include in its conservation plan purchases 
1.21 	of electric energy from a project. The cost-effectiveness of project purchases may be 
1.22 	determined by a different standard than for other energy conservation improvements 
1.23 	under this section if the commissioner determines that doing so is in the public interest 
1.24 	in order to encourage solar energy. The kilowatt hours of solar energy purchased by a 
2.1 	cooperative electric association from a project may count for up to 33 percent of its one 
2.2 	percent savings goal under subdivision 1c or up to 22 percent of its 1.5 percent savings 
2.3 	goal under that section. Expenditures made by a cooperative association for the purchase 
2.4 	of energy from a project may not be used to meet the revenue expenditure requirements of 
2.5 	subdivisions 1a and 1b.

2.6 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.