HF 341

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 01/26/2015 01:48pm

A bill for an act
relating to energy; eliminating the requirement to obtain a certificate of need prior
to constructing a natural gas plant generating electricity that is exported from the
state; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 216B.243, subdivision 8.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 216B.243, subdivision 8, is amended to
read:

Subd. 8.

Exemptions.

This section does not apply to:

(1) cogeneration or small power production facilities as defined in the Federal Power
Act, United States Code, title 16, section 796, paragraph (17), subparagraph (A), and
paragraph (18), subparagraph (A), and having a combined capacity at a single site of less
than 80,000 kilowatts; plants or facilities for the production of ethanol or fuel alcohol; or
any case where the commission has determined after being advised by the attorney general
that its application has been preempted by federal law;

(2) a high-voltage transmission line proposed primarily to distribute electricity to
serve the demand of a single customer at a single location, unless the applicant opts to
request that the commission determine need under this section or section 216B.2425;

(3) the upgrade to a higher voltage of an existing transmission line that serves the
demand of a single customer that primarily uses existing rights-of-way, unless the applicant
opts to request that the commission determine need under this section or section 216B.2425;

(4) a high-voltage transmission line of one mile or less required to connect a new or
upgraded substation to an existing, new, or upgraded high-voltage transmission line;

(5) conversion of the fuel source of an existing electric generating plant to using
natural gas;

(6) the modification of an existing electric generating plant to increase efficiency,
as long as the capacity of the plant is not increased more than ten percent or more than
100 megawatts, whichever is greater; deleted text begin or
deleted text end

(7) a wind energy conversion system or solar electric generation facility if the system
or facility is owned and operated by an independent power producer and the electric output
of the system or facility is not sold to an entity that provides retail service in Minnesota
or wholesale electric service to another entity in Minnesota other than an entity that is a
federally recognized regional transmission organization or independent system operator new text begin ; or
new text end

new text begin (8) an electric generating plant fueled by natural gas whose electric output is not
sold to an entity providing electric service at wholesale or retail to customers in Minnesota
other than an entity that is a federally recognized regional transmission organization
or independent system operator new text end .

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end