HF 105

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 01/12/2015 02:41pm

A bill for an act
relating to energy; modifying the treatment of certain utility advertising
expenditures; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 216B.16, subdivision 8.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 216B.16, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Advertising expense.

(a) The commission shall disapprove the portion of
any rate which makes an allowance directly or indirectly for expenses incurred by a public
utility to provide a public advertisement which:

(1) is designed to influence or has the effect of influencing public attitudes toward
legislation or proposed legislation, or toward a rule, proposed rule, authorization or
proposed authorization of the Public Utilities Commission or other agency of government
responsible for regulating a public utility;

(2) is designed to justify or otherwise support or defend a rate, proposed rate,
practice or proposed practice of a public utility;

deleted text begin (3) is designed primarily to promote consumption of the services of the utility;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end is designed primarily to promote good will for the public utility or improve
the utility's public image; or

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end is designed to promote the use of nuclear power or to promote a nuclear
waste storage facility.

(b) The commission may approve a rate which makes an allowance for expenses
incurred by a public utility to disseminate information which:

(1) is designed to encourage conservation of energy supplies;

(2) is designed to promote safety; or

(3) is designed to inform and educate customers as to financial services made
available to them by the public utility.

(c) The commission shall not withhold approval of a rate because it makes an
allowance for expenses incurred by the utility to disseminate information about corporate
affairs to its owners.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

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