HF 2695

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 05/21/2017 10:49am

A bill for an act
relating to energy; requiring a study on the vulnerability of the electrical grid to
solar storms; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin STUDY; ELECTRICAL GRID VULNERABILITY TO GEOMAGNETIC
DISTURBANCES AND ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE.
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new text begin (a) The Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Public Safety must conduct
a joint study on the vulnerability of Minnesota's electrical grid to geomagnetic disturbances
caused by solar storms and electromagnetic pulse, including how any vulnerability may be
reduced. Information must be gathered from a variety of stakeholders, including but not
limited to (1) electric utilities, (2) the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, (3)
scientists and others with expertise in the field of solar disturbances, electromagnetic pulses,
and the impact of each on the electrical grid, and (4) emergency hazard planners.
new text end

new text begin (b) At a minimum, the report must contain information regarding:
new text end

new text begin (1) potential disturbances that may impact Minnesota's electrical grid as a result of solar
storms and electromagnetic pulse;
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new text begin (2) the existing system for predicting solar storms;
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new text begin (3) steps utilities and the private and public sectors could take to minimize grid
vulnerability to geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulse;
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new text begin (4) how to maintain and restore communications systems after grid damage from
geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulse; and
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new text begin (5) how current emergency planning efforts may incorporate concerns regarding grid
damage and long-term power outage resulting from geomagnetic disturbances and
electromagnetic pulse.
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new text begin (c) By February 15, 2018, the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Public
Safety must submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and
house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over energy policy and public safety.
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new text begin (d) For the purposes of this section, "solar storms" means the ejection of particles, plasma,
flares, or electromagnetic radiation from the sun's surface or corona that travel through
space and reach the surface of the earth, where the ejection may damage the electric power
grid and other critical infrastructure.
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new text begin (e) For the purposes of this section, "electromagnetic pulse" means one or more pulses
of electromagnetic energy capable of disabling, disrupting, or destroying an electric
transmission and distribution system.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
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new text begin $50,000 in fiscal year 2018 is appropriated from the general fund to the Public Utilities
Commission to complete the study described in section 1.
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