1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; requiring a study of the feasibility of creating a state public 
1.3 	power authority; appropriating money.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. PUBLIC POWER AUTHORITY; STUDY.
 1.6 	The commissioner of employment and economic development shall contract with 
1.7 	an independent consulting organization with experience in energy to conduct a study 
1.8 	examining the feasibility and potential costs and benefits of creating a state public power 
1.9 	authority with the authority to (1) construct, own, and operate electric generation and 
1.10 	transmission facilities; (2) allocate low-cost power it generates or purchases to Minnesota 
1.11 	retail customers; (3) finance energy efficiency projects in public buildings; and (4) perform 
1.12 	related tasks. The analysis must examine the structure, funding, and authority of similar 
1.13 	organizations in other states and countries. The report must be submitted no later than 
1.14 	February 15, 2016, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house of 
1.15 	representatives committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy.

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

1.17 	Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION.
 1.18 	$150,000 in fiscal year 2015 is appropriated from the general fund to the 
1.19 	commissioner of employment and economic development for the purpose of conducting 
1.20 	the study described in section 1.

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