<div class="xtend">
         <div class="xtend_ce"><a id="pl.1.1"></a><var>1.1</var>A bill for an act<br />
            		
         </div><a id="pl.1.2"></a><var>1.2</var>relating to energy; modifying, adding, or authorizing provisions governing use <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.3"></a><var>1.3</var>of renewable energy in state-owned buildings; medically necessary equipment, <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.4"></a><var>1.4</var>propane sales, low-income rate discounts, interconnection of distributed <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.5"></a><var>1.5</var>renewable generation, electric vehicle charging tariffs, on-bill payment <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.6"></a><var>1.6</var>programs, energy efficiency programs, emissions reduction planning, certificates <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.7"></a><var>1.7</var>of need, solar energy systems, and transmission lines; requiring a report;<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.8"></a><var>1.8</var>amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections 16C.144, subdivision 3; 216B.098, <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.9"></a><var>1.9</var>subdivision 5; 216B.16, subdivision 14; 216B.1611, by adding a subdivision; <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.10"></a><var>1.10</var>216B.241, by adding a subdivision; 216B.2422, by adding a subdivision; <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.11"></a><var>1.11</var>216B.243, subdivision 8; 216C.41, subdivision 4; 216C.436, subdivision 4, by <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.12"></a><var>1.12</var>adding a subdivision; 216E.01, by adding a subdivision; 216E.04, subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.13"></a><var>1.13</var>2; 239.051, subdivision 29; 239.785, by adding a subdivision; 325E.027; Laws <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.14"></a><var>1.14</var>2013, chapter 57, section 2; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.15"></a><var>1.15</var>chapters 16B; 216B; 216E; repealing Minnesota Rules, parts 3300.0800; <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.16"></a><var>1.16</var>3300.0900; 3300.1000, subparts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.17"></a><var>1.17</var>17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 25a, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.18"></a><var>1.18</var>36; 3300.1100; 3300.1200; 3300.1300; 3300.1400; 3300.1500; 3300.1600; <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.19"></a><var>1.19</var>3300.1700; 3300.1800; 3300.1900; 7607.0100; 7607.0110; 7607.0120; <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.20"></a><var>1.20</var>7607.0130; 7607.0140; 7607.0150; 7607.0160; 7607.0170; 7607.0180; <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.21"></a><var>1.21</var>7610.0300; 7685.0100; 7685.0120; 7685.0130; 7685.0140.<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.22"></a><var>1.22</var>BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.1.0"></a><a id="pl.1.23"></a><var>1.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section 1. <b>[16B.324] MANDATORY USE OF RENEWABLE ELECTRIC </b><br />
         		<a id="pl.1.24"></a><var>1.24</var><b>ENERGY IN STATE BUILDINGS.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.1.25"></a><var>1.25</var>After January 1, 2020, all electric energy used in state-owned buildings located in <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.26"></a><var>1.26</var>the Capitol area as defined in section 15B.02 must be generated by an "eligible energy <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.27"></a><var>1.27</var>technology" as defined in section 216B.1691, subdivision 1, paragraph (a).<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.2.0"></a><a id="pl.1.28"></a><var>1.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 16C.144, subdivision 3, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.1.29"></a><var>1.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Lease purchase agreement.</b> The commissioner may enter into a lease <br />
         		<a id="pl.1.30"></a><var>1.30</var>purchase agreement with any party for the implementation of utility cost-savings measures <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.1"></a><var>2.1</var>in accordance with the guaranteed energy-savings agreement. The implementation costs of <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.2"></a><var>2.2</var>the utility cost-savings measures recommended in the engineering report shall not exceed <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.3"></a><var>2.3</var>the amount to be saved in utility and operation and maintenance costs over the term of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.4"></a><var>2.4</var>lease purchase agreement. The term of the lease purchase agreement shall not exceed 15<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.5"></a><var>2.5</var> 25 years from the date of final installation. The lease is assignable in accordance with <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.6"></a><var>2.6</var>terms approved by the commissioner of management and budget.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.3.0"></a><a id="pl.2.7"></a><var>2.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216B.098, subdivision 5, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.8"></a><var>2.8</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 5. <b>Medically necessary equipment.</b> (a) A utility shall reconnect or <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.9"></a><var>2.9</var>continue service to a customer's residence where a medical emergency exists or where <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.10"></a><var>2.10</var>medical equipment requiring electricity necessary to sustain life is in use, provided that <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.11"></a><var>2.11</var>the utility receives from a medical doctor written certification, or initial certification by <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.12"></a><var>2.12</var>telephone and written certification within five business days, that failure to reconnect or <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.13"></a><var>2.13</var>continue service will impair or threaten the health or safety of a resident of the customer's <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.14"></a><var>2.14</var>household. The customer must enter into a payment agreement.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.15"></a><var>2.15</var>(b) Certification of the necessity for service is required. Certification may be <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.16"></a><var>2.16</var>provided by:<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.17"></a><var>2.17</var>(1) a licensed medical doctor;<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.18"></a><var>2.18</var>(2) a licensed physician assistant;<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.19"></a><var>2.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) an advanced practice registered nurse, as defined in section 148.171; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.20"></a><var>2.20</var>(4) a registered nurse, but only to the extent of verifying the current diagnosis or <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.21"></a><var>2.21</var>prescriptions made by a licensed medical doctor for the customer or member of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.22"></a><var>2.22</var>customer's household.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.23"></a><var>2.23</var>(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d), a certification may not extend beyond six <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.24"></a><var>2.24</var>months from the date of written certification.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.25"></a><var>2.25</var>(d) If a utility determines that a longer certification is appropriate given a particular <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.26"></a><var>2.26</var>customer's circumstances, the utility may, at its sole discretion, extend the duration of a <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.27"></a><var>2.27</var>certification for up to 12 months.<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.28"></a><var>2.28</var>(e) A certification may be renewed, provided that the renewal complies with this <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.29"></a><var>2.29</var>subdivision. A certification may be renewed by the same or another medical professional <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.30"></a><var>2.30</var>who meets the qualifications of paragraph (b).<br />
         		<a id="pl.2.31"></a><var>2.31</var>(f) A customer whose account is in arrears must contact and enter into a payment <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.32"></a><var>2.32</var>agreement with the utility. The payment agreement must consider a customer's financial <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.33"></a><var>2.33</var>circumstances and any extenuating circumstances of the household. The payment <br />
         		<a id="pl.2.34"></a><var>2.34</var>agreement may, at the discretion of the utility, contain a provision by which the utility <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.1"></a><var>3.1</var>forgives all or a portion of the amount in which the account is in arrears, which, if <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.2"></a><var>3.2</var>implemented, extinguishes individual liability for the amount forgiven.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.4.0"></a><a id="pl.3.3"></a><var>3.3</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 4. <b>[216B.0991] DEFINITIONS.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.3.4"></a><var>3.4</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Scope.</b> For the purposes of sections 216B.0991 to 216B.0995, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.5"></a><var>3.5</var>terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.6"></a><var>3.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Customer.</b> "Customer" means a person who has an established relationship <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.7"></a><var>3.7</var>with a propane distributor and whose propane system meets the safety guidelines <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.8"></a><var>3.8</var>established by the propane distributor for residential heating service.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.9"></a><var>3.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>LIHEAP.</b> "LIHEAP" means the low-income home energy assistance <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.10"></a><var>3.10</var>program.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.11"></a><var>3.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. <b>Propane distributor.</b> "Propane distributor" means a person who sells <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.12"></a><var>3.12</var>propane at retail to customers as their primary residential heat source; propane distributors <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.13"></a><var>3.13</var>are not public utilities.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.14"></a><var>3.14</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 5. <b>Residential heating service.</b> "Residential heating service" means the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.15"></a><var>3.15</var>provision of the primary source of heat for the interior of a residential structure.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.5.0"></a><a id="pl.3.16"></a><var>3.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 5. <b>[216B.0992] PRICE AND FEE DISCLOSURE.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.3.17"></a><var>3.17</var>A propane distributor must provide a document listing the current per-gallon price of <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.18"></a><var>3.18</var>propane and all additional charges, fees, and discounts that pertain to residential heating <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.19"></a><var>3.19</var>service. The document must be:<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.20"></a><var>3.20</var>(1) made available to the general public upon request; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.21"></a><var>3.21</var>(2) provided to new customers before residential heating service is initiated.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.6.0"></a><a id="pl.3.22"></a><var>3.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 6. <b>[216B.0993] BUDGET PAYMENT PLAN.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.3.23"></a><var>3.23</var>(a) A propane distributor who offers customers a budget payment plan must make <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.24"></a><var>3.24</var>that same plan available to all customers, including those who participate in the LIHEAP <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.25"></a><var>3.25</var>program.<br />
         		<a id="pl.3.26"></a><var>3.26</var>(b) A budget payment plan must equalize a customer's estimated annual propane bill <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.27"></a><var>3.27</var>by dividing it into equal monthly payments. Any budget plan started after the propane <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.28"></a><var>3.28</var>distributor's traditional budget plan start date will be divided by the remaining months <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.29"></a><var>3.29</var>in the budget plan year. Any positive balance remaining at the end of a year may, at the <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.30"></a><var>3.30</var>customer's discretion, be provided to the customer as a cash payment or carried over as a <br />
         		<a id="pl.3.31"></a><var>3.31</var>credit on the customer's bill for the next year.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.1"></a><var>4.1</var>(c) A propane distributor must notify a customer on a budget payment plan of a price <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.2"></a><var>4.2</var>or fee change that may affect the monthly amount due under the budget payment plan <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.3"></a><var>4.3</var>by more than 20 percent.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.4"></a><var>4.4</var>(d) A propane distributor may alter or terminate the plan if a customer has failed to <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.5"></a><var>4.5</var>pay two monthly payments during the period of the budget payment plan. In lieu of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.6"></a><var>4.6</var>requirements of this section, the parties may enter into a mutually agreeable plan.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.7.0"></a><a id="pl.4.7"></a><var>4.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 7. <b>[216B.0994] PROPANE PURCHASE CONTRACTS.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.4.8"></a><var>4.8</var>A propane distributor is prohibited from adding any service, distribution, <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.9"></a><var>4.9</var>transportation, or similar fees to customer billings for those customers who have entered <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.10"></a><var>4.10</var>into a contract for prepurchasing or capitated pricing of propane for the period of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.11"></a><var>4.11</var>contract provided that:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.12"></a><var>4.12</var>(1) the customer has met all obligations of that contract; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.13"></a><var>4.13</var>(2) the propane distributor can receive product from its contracted supply points and <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.14"></a><var>4.14</var>a force majeure has not been declared by the propane distributor's supplier.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.8.0"></a><a id="pl.4.15"></a><var>4.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 8. <b>[216B.0995] TERMS OF SALE.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.4.16"></a><var>4.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Cash sales.</b> A propane distributor with an available supply of <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.17"></a><var>4.17</var>propane must not refuse to sell propane to a customer who:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.18"></a><var>4.18</var>(1) pays the distributor's established price upon delivery in cash, by certified or <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.19"></a><var>4.19</var>cashier's check, or by commercial money order or its equivalent; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.20"></a><var>4.20</var>(2) receives energy assistance from LIHEAP or a governmental or private agency <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.21"></a><var>4.21</var>that has funds available to pay for a delivery.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.22"></a><var>4.22</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>LIHEAP participation; delivery.</b> A propane distributor who accepts <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.23"></a><var>4.23</var>LIHEAP payments must, upon request, make available to its customers information <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.24"></a><var>4.24</var>regarding LIHEAP, including income eligibility and contact information for organizations <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.25"></a><var>4.25</var>accepting LIHEAP applications.<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.26"></a><var>4.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Third-party credit disclosure.</b> A propane distributor must not make <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.27"></a><var>4.27</var>known the names of past or present delinquent customers to other propane distributors, <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.28"></a><var>4.28</var>except in the course of a routine credit check performed when a prospective customer <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.29"></a><var>4.29</var>applies for credit privileges.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.9.0"></a><a id="pl.4.30"></a><var>4.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216B.16, subdivision 14, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.4.31"></a><var>4.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 14. <b>Low-income electric rate discount.</b> A public utility shall fund an <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.32"></a><var>4.32</var>affordability program for low-income customers in an amount based on a 50 percent electric <br />
         		<a id="pl.4.33"></a><var>4.33</var>rate discount on the first 400 kilowatt-hours consumed in a billing period for low-income <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.1"></a><var>5.1</var>residential customers of the utility at a base annual funding level of $8,000,000. The annual <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.2"></a><var>5.2</var>funding level shall increase in the calendar years subsequent to each commission approval <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.3"></a><var>5.3</var>of a rate increase for the public utility's residential customers by the same percentage as the <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.4"></a><var>5.4</var>approved residential rate increase. Costs for the program shall be included in the utility's <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.5"></a><var>5.5</var>base rate. For the purposes of this subdivision, "low-income" describes a customer who is <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.6"></a><var>5.6</var>receiving assistance from the federal low-income home energy assistance program. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.7"></a><var>5.7</var>affordability program must be designed to target participating customers with the lowest <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.8"></a><var>5.8</var>incomes and highest energy costs in order to lower the percentage of income they devote <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.9"></a><var>5.9</var>to energy bills, increase their payments, lower utility service disconnections, and lower<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.10"></a><var>5.10</var> decrease costs associated with collection activities on their accounts. For low-income <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.11"></a><var>5.11</var>customers who are 62 years of age or older or disabled, the program must, in addition to <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.12"></a><var>5.12</var>any other program benefits, include a 50 percent electric rate discount on the first 400 <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.13"></a><var>5.13</var>kilowatt-hours consumed in a $15 discount in each billing period. For the purposes of this <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.14"></a><var>5.14</var>subdivision, "public utility" includes only those public utilities with more than 200,000 <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.15"></a><var>5.15</var>residential electric service customers. The commission may issue orders necessary to <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.16"></a><var>5.16</var>implement, administer, and recover the costs of the program on a timely basis.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.17"></a><var>5.17</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective October 1, 2014.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.10.0"></a><a id="pl.5.18"></a><var>5.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216B.1611, is amended by adding a <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.19"></a><var>5.19</var>subdivision to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.20"></a><var>5.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3a. <b>Project information.</b> (a) Beginning July 1, 2014, each electric utility <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.21"></a><var>5.21</var>shall request an applicant for interconnection of distributed renewable energy generation <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.22"></a><var>5.22</var>to provide the following information, in a format prescribed by the commissioner:<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.23"></a><var>5.23</var>(1) the nameplate capacity of the facility in the application;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.24"></a><var>5.24</var>(2) the preincentive installed cost and cost components of the generation system <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.25"></a><var>5.25</var>at the facility;<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.26"></a><var>5.26</var>(3) the energy source of the facility; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.27"></a><var>5.27</var>(4) the zip code in which the facility is to be located.<br />
         		<a id="pl.5.28"></a><var>5.28</var>(b) The commissioner shall develop or identify a system to collect and process the <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.29"></a><var>5.29</var>information under this subdivision for each utility, and make non-project-specific data <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.30"></a><var>5.30</var>available to the public on a periodic basis as determined by the commissioner, and in a <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.31"></a><var>5.31</var>format determined by the commissioner. The commissioner may solicit proposals from <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.32"></a><var>5.32</var>outside parties to develop the system. The commissioner may only collect data authorized <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.33"></a><var>5.33</var>in paragraph (a), and may not require submission of any additional data that could be used <br />
         		<a id="pl.5.34"></a><var>5.34</var>to personally identify any individual applicant or utility customer.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.1"></a><var>6.1</var>(c) Electric utilities collecting and transferring data under this subdivision are not <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.2"></a><var>6.2</var>responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or quality of the information under this <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.3"></a><var>6.3</var>subdivision.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.4"></a><var>6.4</var>(d) Except as provided in paragraph (b), any information provided by an applicant to <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.5"></a><var>6.5</var>the commissioner under this subdivision is nonpublic data as defined in section 13.02, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.6"></a><var>6.6</var>subdivision 9.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.7"></a><var>6.7</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective July 1, 2014, and applies to <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.8"></a><var>6.8</var>applications received on or after that date.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.11.0"></a><a id="pl.6.9"></a><var>6.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 11. <b>[216B.1614] ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING TARIFF.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.6.10"></a><var>6.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Definitions.</b> (a) For the purposes of this section, the terms defined in <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.11"></a><var>6.11</var>this subdivision have the meanings given them.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.12"></a><var>6.12</var>(b) "Electric vehicle" has the meaning given in section 169.011, subdivision 26a.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.13"></a><var>6.13</var>(c) "Public utility" has the meaning given in section 216B.02, subdivision 4.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.14"></a><var>6.14</var>(d) "Renewable energy" has the meaning given in section 216B.169, subdivision 2, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.15"></a><var>6.15</var>paragraph (d).<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.16"></a><var>6.16</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Required tariff.</b> (a) By February 1, 2015, each public utility selling <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.17"></a><var>6.17</var>electricity at retail must file with the commission a tariff that allows a customer to purchase <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.18"></a><var>6.18</var>electricity solely for the purpose of recharging an electric vehicle. The tariff must:<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.19"></a><var>6.19</var>(1) contain either a time-of-day or off-peak rate, as elected by the public utility;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.20"></a><var>6.20</var>(2) offer a customer the option to purchase electricity:<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.21"></a><var>6.21</var>(i) from the utility's current mix of energy supply sources; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.22"></a><var>6.22</var>(ii) entirely from renewable energy sources, subject to the conditions established <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.23"></a><var>6.23</var>under section 216B.169, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), and subdivision 3, paragraph (a); and<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.24"></a><var>6.24</var>(3) be made available to the residential customer class.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.25"></a><var>6.25</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The public utility may, at its discretion, offer the tariff to other customer classes.<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.26"></a><var>6.26</var>(c) The commission shall, after notice and opportunity for public comment, approve, <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.27"></a><var>6.27</var>modify, or reject the tariff. The commission may approve the tariff if the public utility <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.28"></a><var>6.28</var>has demonstrated that the tariff:<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.29"></a><var>6.29</var>(1) appropriately reflects off-peak versus peak cost differences in the rate charged;<br />
         		<a id="pl.6.30"></a><var>6.30</var>(2) includes a mechanism to allow the recovery of costs reasonably necessary to <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.31"></a><var>6.31</var>comply with this section, including costs to inform and educate customers about the <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.32"></a><var>6.32</var>financial, energy conservation, and environmental benefits of electric vehicles and to <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.33"></a><var>6.33</var>publicly advertise and promote participation in the customer-optional tariff; <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.34"></a><var>6.34</var>(3) provides for clear and transparent customer billing statements including, but not <br />
         		<a id="pl.6.35"></a><var>6.35</var>limited to, the amount of energy consumed under the tariff; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.1"></a><var>7.1</var>(4) incorporates the cost of metering or submetering within the rate charged to <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.2"></a><var>7.2</var>the customer.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.3"></a><var>7.3</var>(d) Within 60 days of commission approval of a public utility's tariff filed under this <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.4"></a><var>7.4</var>section, the public utility shall make the tariff available to customers.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.5"></a><var>7.5</var>(e) The utility may at any time propose revisions to a tariff filed under this <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.6"></a><var>7.6</var>subdivision based on changing costs or conditions.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.7"></a><var>7.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Data reporting.</b> Each public utility providing a tariff under this section <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.8"></a><var>7.8</var>shall periodically report to the commission, as established by the commission and on a form <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.9"></a><var>7.9</var>prescribed by the commission, the following information, organized on a per-quarter basis:<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.10"></a><var>7.10</var>(1) the number of customers who have arranged to purchase electricity under the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.11"></a><var>7.11</var>tariff;<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.12"></a><var>7.12</var>(2) the total amount of electricity sold under the tariff; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.13"></a><var>7.13</var>(3) other data required by the commission.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.14"></a><var>7.14</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.12.0"></a><a id="pl.7.15"></a><var>7.15</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216B.241, is amended by adding a <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.16"></a><var>7.16</var>subdivision to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.17"></a><var>7.17</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 5d. <b>On-bill repayment programs.</b> (a) For the purposes of this subdivision:<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.18"></a><var>7.18</var>(1) "utility" means a public utility, municipal utility, or cooperative electric <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.19"></a><var>7.19</var>association that provides electric or natural gas service to retail customers; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.20"></a><var>7.20</var>(2) "on-bill repayment program" means a program in which a utility collects on a <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.21"></a><var>7.21</var>customer's bill repayment of a loan to the customer by an eligible lender to finance the <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.22"></a><var>7.22</var>customer's investment in eligible energy conservation or renewable energy projects, and <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.23"></a><var>7.23</var>remits loan repayments to the lender.<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.24"></a><var>7.24</var>(b) A utility may include as part of its conservation improvement plan an on-bill <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.25"></a><var>7.25</var>repayment program to enable a customer to finance eligible projects with installment <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.26"></a><var>7.26</var>loans originated by an eligible lender. An eligible project is one that is either an energy <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.27"></a><var>7.27</var>conservation improvement, or a project installed on the customer's site that uses an eligible <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.28"></a><var>7.28</var>renewable energy source as that term is defined in section 216B.2411, subdivision 2, <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.29"></a><var>7.29</var>paragraph (b), but does not include mixed municipal solid waste or refuse-derived fuel <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.30"></a><var>7.30</var>from mixed municipal solid waste. An eligible renewable energy source also includes <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.31"></a><var>7.31</var>solar thermal technology that collects the sun's radiant energy and uses that energy to heat <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.32"></a><var>7.32</var>or cool air or water, and meets the requirements of section 216C.25. To be an eligible <br />
         		<a id="pl.7.33"></a><var>7.33</var>lender, a lender must:<br />
         		<a id="pl.7.34"></a><var>7.34</var>(1) have a federal or state charter and be eligible for federal deposit insurance; <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.1"></a><var>8.1</var>(2) be a government entity, including an entity established under chapter 469, that <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.2"></a><var>8.2</var>has authority to provide financial assistance for energy efficiency and renewable energy <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.3"></a><var>8.3</var>projects;<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.4"></a><var>8.4</var>(3) be a joint venture by utilities established under section 452.25; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.5"></a><var>8.5</var>(4) be licensed, certified, or otherwise have its lending activities overseen by a <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.6"></a><var>8.6</var>state or federal government agency.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.7"></a><var>8.7</var>The commissioner must allow a utility broad discretion in designing and implementing an <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.8"></a><var>8.8</var>on-bill repayment program, provided that the program complies with this subdivision.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.9"></a><var>8.9</var>(c) A utility may establish an on-bill repayment program for all customer classes <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.10"></a><var>8.10</var>or for a specific customer class.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.11"></a><var>8.11</var>(d) A public utility that implements an on-bill repayment program under this <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.12"></a><var>8.12</var>subdivision must enter into a contract with one or more eligible lenders that complies <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.13"></a><var>8.13</var>with the requirements of this subdivision and contains provisions addressing capital <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.14"></a><var>8.14</var>commitments, loan origination, transfer of loans to the public utility for on-bill repayment, <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.15"></a><var>8.15</var>and acceptance of loans returned due to delinquency or default.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.16"></a><var>8.16</var>(e) A public utility's contract with a lender must require the lender to comply with <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.17"></a><var>8.17</var>all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations related to lending practices <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.18"></a><var>8.18</var>and consumer protection; to conform to reasonable and prudent lending standards; and to <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.19"></a><var>8.19</var>provide businesses that sell, maintain, and install eligible projects the ability to participate <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.20"></a><var>8.20</var>in an on-bill repayment program under this subdivision on a nondiscriminatory basis.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.21"></a><var>8.21</var>(f) A public utility's contract with a lender may provide:<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.22"></a><var>8.22</var>(1) for the public utility to purchase loans from the lender with a condition that the <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.23"></a><var>8.23</var>lender must purchase back loans in delinquency or default; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.24"></a><var>8.24</var>(2) for the lender to retain ownership of loans with the public utility servicing the <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.25"></a><var>8.25</var>loans through on-bill repayment as long as payments are current. <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.26"></a><var>8.26</var>The risk of default must remain with the lender. The lender shall not have recourse against <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.27"></a><var>8.27</var>the public utility except in the event of negligence or breach of contract by the utility.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.28"></a><var>8.28</var>(g) If a public utility customer makes a partial payment on a utility bill that includes <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.29"></a><var>8.29</var>a loan installment, the partial payment must be credited first to the amount owed for <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.30"></a><var>8.30</var>utility service, including taxes and fees. A public utility may not suspend or terminate <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.31"></a><var>8.31</var>a customer's utility service for delinquency or default on a loan that is being serviced <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.32"></a><var>8.32</var>through the public utility's on-bill repayment program.<br />
         		<a id="pl.8.33"></a><var>8.33</var>(h) An outstanding balance on a loan being repaid under this subdivision is a <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.34"></a><var>8.34</var>financial obligation only of the customer who is signatory to the loan, and not to any <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.35"></a><var>8.35</var>subsequent customer occupying the property associated with the loan. If the public utility <br />
         		<a id="pl.8.36"></a><var>8.36</var>purchases loans from the lender as authorized under paragraph (f), clause (1), the public <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.1"></a><var>9.1</var>utility must return to the lender a loan not repaid when a customer borrower no longer <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.2"></a><var>9.2</var>occupies the property.<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.3"></a><var>9.3</var>(i) Costs incurred by a public utility under this subdivision are recoverable as <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.4"></a><var>9.4</var>provided in section 216B.16, subdivision 6b, paragraph (c), including reasonable <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.5"></a><var>9.5</var>incremental costs for billing system modifications necessary to implement and operate an <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.6"></a><var>9.6</var>on-bill repayment program and for ongoing costs to operate the program. Costs in a plan <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.7"></a><var>9.7</var>approved by the commissioner may be counted toward a utility's conservation spending <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.8"></a><var>9.8</var>requirements under subdivisions 1a and 1b. Energy savings from energy conservation <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.9"></a><var>9.9</var>improvements resulting from this section may be counted toward satisfying a utility's <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.10"></a><var>9.10</var>energy-savings goals under subdivision 1c.<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.11"></a><var>9.11</var>(j) This subdivision does not require a utility to terminate or modify an existing <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.12"></a><var>9.12</var>financing program and does not prohibit a utility from establishing an on-bill financing <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.13"></a><var>9.13</var>program in which the utility provides the financing capital.<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.14"></a><var>9.14</var>(k) A municipal utility or cooperative electric association that implements an on-bill <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.15"></a><var>9.15</var>repayment program shall design the program to address the issues identified in paragraphs <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.16"></a><var>9.16</var>(d) through (h) as determined by the governing board of the utility or association.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.13.0"></a><a id="pl.9.17"></a><var>9.17</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216B.2422, is amended by adding a <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.18"></a><var>9.18</var>subdivision to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.19"></a><var>9.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2c. <b>Long-range emission reduction planning.</b> Each utility required to file a <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.20"></a><var>9.20</var>resource plan under subdivision 2 shall include in the filing a narrative identifying and <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.21"></a><var>9.21</var>describing the costs, opportunities, and technical barriers to the utility continuing to make <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.22"></a><var>9.22</var>progress on its system toward achieving the state greenhouse gas emission reduction goals <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.23"></a><var>9.23</var>established in section 216H.02, subdivision 1, and the technologies, alternatives, and steps <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.24"></a><var>9.24</var>the utility is considering to address those opportunities and barriers.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.14.0"></a><a id="pl.9.25"></a><var>9.25</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216B.243, subdivision 8, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.26"></a><var>9.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 8. <b>Exemptions.</b> This section does not apply to:<br />
         		<a id="pl.9.27"></a><var>9.27</var>(1) cogeneration or small power production facilities as defined in the Federal Power <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.28"></a><var>9.28</var>Act, United States Code, title 16, section 796, paragraph (17), subparagraph (A), and <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.29"></a><var>9.29</var>paragraph (18), subparagraph (A), and having a combined capacity at a single site of less <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.30"></a><var>9.30</var>than 80,000 kilowatts; plants or facilities for the production of ethanol or fuel alcohol; or <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.31"></a><var>9.31</var>any case where the commission has determined after being advised by the attorney general <br />
         		<a id="pl.9.32"></a><var>9.32</var>that its application has been preempted by federal law;<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.1"></a><var>10.1</var>(2) a high-voltage transmission line proposed primarily to distribute electricity to <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.2"></a><var>10.2</var>serve the demand of a single customer at a single location, unless the applicant opts to <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.3"></a><var>10.3</var>request that the commission determine need under this section or section 
         <statute_ref>216B.2425</statute_ref>;<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.4"></a><var>10.4</var>(3) the upgrade to a higher voltage of an existing transmission line that serves the <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.5"></a><var>10.5</var>demand of a single customer that primarily uses existing rights-of-way, unless the applicant <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.6"></a><var>10.6</var>opts to request that the commission determine need under this section or section 
         <statute_ref>216B.2425</statute_ref>;<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.7"></a><var>10.7</var>(4) a high-voltage transmission line of one mile or less required to connect a new or <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.8"></a><var>10.8</var>upgraded substation to an existing, new, or upgraded high-voltage transmission line;<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.9"></a><var>10.9</var>(5) conversion of the fuel source of an existing electric generating plant to using <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.10"></a><var>10.10</var>natural gas; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.11"></a><var>10.11</var>(6) the modification of an existing electric generating plant to increase efficiency, <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.12"></a><var>10.12</var>as long as the capacity of the plant is not increased more than ten percent or more than <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.13"></a><var>10.13</var>100 megawatts, whichever is greater.; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.14"></a><var>10.14</var>(7) a wind energy conversion system or solar electric generation facility if the system <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.15"></a><var>10.15</var>or facility is owned and operated by an independent power producer and the electric output <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.16"></a><var>10.16</var>of the system or facility is not sold to an entity that provides retail service in Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.17"></a><var>10.17</var>or wholesale electric service to another entity in Minnesota other than an entity that is a <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.18"></a><var>10.18</var>federally recognized regional transmission organization or independent system operator.<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.19"></a><var>10.19</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.15.0"></a><a id="pl.10.20"></a><var>10.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216C.41, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.21"></a><var>10.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. <b>Payment period.</b> (a) A facility may receive payments under this section for <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.22"></a><var>10.22</var>a ten-year period. No payment under this section may be made for electricity generated:<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.23"></a><var>10.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) by a qualified hydroelectric facility after December 31, 2021;<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.24"></a><var>10.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) by a qualified wind energy conversion facility after December 31, 2018; or<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.25"></a><var>10.25</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) by a qualified on-farm biogas recovery facility after December 31, 2015 2017.<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.26"></a><var>10.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The payment period begins and runs consecutively from the date the facility <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.27"></a><var>10.27</var>begins generating electricity or, in the case of refurbishment of a hydropower facility, after <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.28"></a><var>10.28</var>substantial repairs to the hydropower facility dam funded by the incentive payments are <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.29"></a><var>10.29</var>initiated.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.16.0"></a><a id="pl.10.30"></a><var>10.30</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216C.436, subdivision 4, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.31"></a><var>10.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. <b>Financing terms.</b> Financing provided under this section must have:<br />
         		<a id="pl.10.32"></a><var>10.32</var>(1) a weighted cost-weighted average maturity not exceeding the useful life of <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.33"></a><var>10.33</var>the energy improvements installed, as determined by the implementing entity, but in no <br />
         		<a id="pl.10.34"></a><var>10.34</var>event may a term exceed 20 years;<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.1"></a><var>11.1</var>(2) a principal amount not to exceed the lesser of ten 20 percent of the assessed value <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.2"></a><var>11.2</var>of the real property on which the improvements are to be installed or the actual cost of <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.3"></a><var>11.3</var>installing the energy improvements, including the costs of necessary equipment, materials, <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.4"></a><var>11.4</var>and labor, the costs of each related energy audit or renewable energy system feasibility <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.5"></a><var>11.5</var>study, and the cost of verification of installation; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.6"></a><var>11.6</var>(3) an interest rate sufficient to pay the financing costs of the program, including the <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.7"></a><var>11.7</var>issuance of bonds and any financing delinquencies.<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.8"></a><var>11.8</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.17.0"></a><a id="pl.11.9"></a><var>11.9</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 17. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216C.436, is amended by adding a <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.10"></a><var>11.10</var>subdivision to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.11"></a><var>11.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 9. <b>Supplemental funding sources.</b> (a) An implementing entity is authorized <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.12"></a><var>11.12</var>to establish, acquire, and use additional or alternative funding sources for the purposes <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.13"></a><var>11.13</var>of this section.<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.14"></a><var>11.14</var>(b) For the purposes of this subdivision, additional or alternative funding sources <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.15"></a><var>11.15</var>may include, but are not limited to, issuance of general obligation bonds in a manner <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.16"></a><var>11.16</var>consistent with the requirements of chapter 475.<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.17"></a><var>11.17</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.18.0"></a><a id="pl.11.18"></a><var>11.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216E.01, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.19"></a><var>11.19</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.20"></a><var>11.20</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 8a. <b>Solar energy generating system.</b> "Solar energy generating system" <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.21"></a><var>11.21</var>means a set of devices whose primary purpose is to produce electricity by means of any <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.22"></a><var>11.22</var>combination of collecting, transferring, or converting solar-generated energy.<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.23"></a><var>11.23</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.19.0"></a><a id="pl.11.24"></a><var>11.24</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 19. <b>[216E.021] SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM SIZE DETERMINATION.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.11.25"></a><var>11.25</var>(a) This section must be used to determine whether a combination of solar energy <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.26"></a><var>11.26</var>generating systems meets the definition of large electric power generating plant and is <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.27"></a><var>11.27</var>subject to the commission's siting authority jurisdiction under this chapter. The alternating <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.28"></a><var>11.28</var>current nameplate capacity of one solar energy generating system must be combined with <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.29"></a><var>11.29</var>the alternating current nameplate capacity of any other solar energy generating system that:<br />
         		<a id="pl.11.30"></a><var>11.30</var>(1) is constructed within the same 12-month period as the solar energy generating <br />
         		<a id="pl.11.31"></a><var>11.31</var>system; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.1"></a><var>12.1</var>(2) exhibits characteristics of being a single development, including but not limited <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.2"></a><var>12.2</var>to ownership structure, an umbrella sales arrangement, shared interconnection, revenue <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.3"></a><var>12.3</var>sharing arrangements, and common debt or equity financing.<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.4"></a><var>12.4</var>(b) The commissioner of commerce shall provide forms and assistance for applicants <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.5"></a><var>12.5</var>to make a request for a size determination. Upon written request of an applicant, the <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.6"></a><var>12.6</var>commissioner shall provide a written size determination within 30 days of receipt of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.7"></a><var>12.7</var>request and of any information requested by the commissioner. In the case of a dispute, <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.8"></a><var>12.8</var>the chair of the Public Utilities Commission shall make the final size determination.<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.9"></a><var>12.9</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.20.0"></a><a id="pl.12.10"></a><var>12.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 216E.04, subdivision 2, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.11"></a><var>12.11</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Applicable projects.</b> The requirements and procedures in this section <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.12"></a><var>12.12</var>apply to the following projects:<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.13"></a><var>12.13</var>(1) large electric power generating plants with a capacity of less than 80 megawatts;<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.14"></a><var>12.14</var>(2) large electric power generating plants that are fueled by natural gas;<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.15"></a><var>12.15</var>(3) high-voltage transmission lines of between 100 and 200 kilovolts;<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.16"></a><var>12.16</var>(4) high-voltage transmission lines in excess of 200 kilovolts and less than five miles <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.17"></a><var>12.17</var>in length in Minnesota;<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.18"></a><var>12.18</var>(5) high-voltage transmission lines in excess of 200 kilovolts if at least 80 percent <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.19"></a><var>12.19</var>of the distance of the line in Minnesota will be located along existing high-voltage <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.20"></a><var>12.20</var>transmission line right-of-way;<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.21"></a><var>12.21</var>(6) a high-voltage transmission line service extension to a single customer between <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.22"></a><var>12.22</var>200 and 300 kilovolts and less than ten miles in length; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.23"></a><var>12.23</var>(7) a high-voltage transmission line rerouting to serve the demand of a single <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.24"></a><var>12.24</var>customer when the rerouted line will be located at least 80 percent on property owned or <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.25"></a><var>12.25</var>controlled by the customer or the owner of the transmission line; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.26"></a><var>12.26</var>(8) large electric power generating plants that are powered by solar energy.<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.27"></a><var>12.27</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.21.0"></a><a id="pl.12.28"></a><var>12.28</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 239.051, subdivision 29, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.12.29"></a><var>12.29</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 29. <b>Refinery, terminal.</b> "Refinery" or "terminal" means a petroleum refinery, <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.30"></a><var>12.30</var>pipeline terminal, river terminal, storage facility, or other point of origin where liquefied <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.31"></a><var>12.31</var>petroleum gas or petroleum products are manufactured, or imported by rail, truck, barge, or <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.32"></a><var>12.32</var>pipe; and held, stored, transferred, offered for distribution, distributed, offered for sale, or <br />
         		<a id="pl.12.33"></a><var>12.33</var>sold. For the purpose of restricting petroleum product blending, this definition includes all <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.1"></a><var>13.1</var>refineries and terminals within and outside of Minnesota, but does not include a licensed <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.2"></a><var>13.2</var>distributor's bulk storage facility that is used to store petroleum products for which the <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.3"></a><var>13.3</var>petroleum inspection fee charged under this chapter is either not due or has been paid.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.22.0"></a><a id="pl.13.4"></a><var>13.4</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 22. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 239.785, is amended by adding a subdivision <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.5"></a><var>13.5</var>to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.6"></a><var>13.6</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 7. <b>Notification of product unavailability; terminal operators.</b>  A person <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.7"></a><var>13.7</var>who operates a terminal where liquefied petroleum gas is loaded into transport trucks for <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.8"></a><var>13.8</var>subsequent distribution shall notify the commissioner within 24 hours when liquefied <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.9"></a><var>13.9</var>petroleum gas is physically not available for sale to licensed distributors.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.23.0"></a><a id="pl.13.10"></a><var>13.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 23. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 325E.027, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.11"></a><var>13.11</var><b>325E.027 DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITION.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.13.12"></a><var>13.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) No dealer or distributor of liquid propane gas or number 1 or number 2 fuel oil <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.13"></a><var>13.13</var>who has signed a low-income home energy assistance program vendor agreement with the <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.14"></a><var>13.14</var>Department of Commerce may refuse to deliver liquid propane gas or number 1 or number <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.15"></a><var>13.15</var>2 fuel oil to any person located within the dealer's or distributor's normal delivery area <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.16"></a><var>13.16</var>who receives direct grants under the low-income home energy assistance program if:<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.17"></a><var>13.17</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) the person has requested delivery;<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.18"></a><var>13.18</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) the dealer or distributor has product available;<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.19"></a><var>13.19</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) the person requesting delivery is capable of making full payment at the time of <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.20"></a><var>13.20</var>delivery; and<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.21"></a><var>13.21</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) the person is not in arrears regarding any previous fuel purchase from that dealer <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.22"></a><var>13.22</var>or distributor.<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.23"></a><var>13.23</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) A dealer or distributor making delivery to a person receiving direct grants <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.24"></a><var>13.24</var>under the low-income home energy assistance program may not charge that person any <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.25"></a><var>13.25</var>additional costs or fees that would not be charged to any other customer and must make <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.26"></a><var>13.26</var>available to that person any discount program on the same basis as the dealer or distributor <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.27"></a><var>13.27</var>makes available to any other customer.<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.28"></a><var>13.28</var>(c) The commissioner of commerce may enforce this section using any of the <br />
         		<a id="pl.13.29"></a><var>13.29</var>authority granted to the commissioner under section 45.027.<br />
         		<a id="pl.13.30"></a><var>13.30</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.24.0"></a><a id="pl.13.31"></a><var>13.31</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 24. Laws 2013, chapter 57, section 2, is amended to read:<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.1"></a><var>14.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 2. <b>TRANSMISSION LINE; CERTIFICATE OF NEED REQUIRED </b><br />
         		<a id="pl.14.2"></a><var>14.2</var><b>AND EVIDENCE REQUIRED.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.14.3"></a><var>14.3</var>(a) A high-voltage transmission line with a capacity of 100 kilovolts or more proposed <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.4"></a><var>14.4</var>to be located within a city in the metropolitan area as defined in Minnesota Statutes, <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.5"></a><var>14.5</var>section 
         <statute_ref>473.121, subdivision 2</statute_ref>, for which a route permit application was filed between <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.6"></a><var>14.6</var>June 2011 and August 2011, and a certificate of need application was filed between June <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.7"></a><var>14.7</var>2012 and August 2012, to rebuild approximately eight miles of 69 kilovolt transmission <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.8"></a><var>14.8</var>with a high-voltage transmission line to meet local area distribution needs, must be <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.9"></a><var>14.9</var>approved in a certificate of need proceeding conducted under Minnesota Statutes, section <br />
         		
         <statute_ref><a id="pl.14.10"></a><var>14.10</var>216B.243
         </statute_ref>. The certificate of need may be approved only if the commission finds by clear <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.11"></a><var>14.11</var>and convincing evidence that there is no feasible and available distribution level alternative <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.12"></a><var>14.12</var>to the transmission line. In making its findings the commission shall consider the factors <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.13"></a><var>14.13</var>provided in applicable law and rules including, without limitation, cost-effectiveness, <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.14"></a><var>14.14</var>energy conservation, and the protection or enhancement of environmental quality.<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.15"></a><var>14.15</var>(b) Further proceedings regarding the routing of a high-voltage transmission line <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.16"></a><var>14.16</var>described in this section shall be suspended until the Public Utilities Commission has <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.17"></a><var>14.17</var>made a determination that the transmission line is needed.<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.18"></a><var>14.18</var>(c) If an application for a certificate of need described in paragraph (a) is withdrawn <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.19"></a><var>14.19</var>or otherwise abandoned, this section shall apply to any high-voltage transmission line of <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.20"></a><var>14.20</var>100 kilovolts or more proposed to meet the same needs as the line described in paragraph <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.21"></a><var>14.21</var>(a) and that follows a route that is similar to that of the line subject to paragraph (a). In <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.22"></a><var>14.22</var>addition, a certificate of need for a line subject to this paragraph is not effective until <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.23"></a><var>14.23</var>30 days following the adjournment of the regular legislative session next following <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.24"></a><var>14.24</var>commission approval of the certificate of need.<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.25"></a><var>14.25</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.25.0"></a><a id="pl.14.26"></a><var>14.26</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 25. <b>LEGISLATIVE ENERGY COMMISSION; PROPANE CONVERSION </b><br />
         		<a id="pl.14.27"></a><var>14.27</var><b>STRATEGIES.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.14.28"></a><var>14.28</var>(a) The Legislative Energy Commission is requested to investigate the feasibility of <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.29"></a><var>14.29</var>converting propane gas users to natural gas or other alternative sources of energy. The <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.30"></a><var>14.30</var>investigation, among other things, should assess the technical and economic issues for <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.31"></a><var>14.31</var>converting nonmetropolitan users of propane gas to pipeline service of natural gas.<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.32"></a><var>14.32</var>(b) The commission is requested to complete its investigations so that any <br />
         		<a id="pl.14.33"></a><var>14.33</var>recommendations for legislation are completed by January 15, 2015.<br />
         		<a id="pl.14.34"></a><var>14.34</var><b>EFFECTIVE DATE.</b>This section is effective the day following final enactment.<br />
         		<br />
         		<a id="bill.0.26.0"></a><a id="pl.15.1"></a><var>15.1</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sec. 26. <b> REPEALER.</b><br />
         		<a id="pl.15.2"></a><var>15.2</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subdivision 1. <b>Weatherization assistance.</b> Minnesota Rules, parts 3300.0800; <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.3"></a><var>15.3</var>3300.0900; 3300.1000, subparts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.4"></a><var>15.4</var>20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 25a, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36; 3300.1100; <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.5"></a><var>15.5</var>3300.1200; 3300.1300; 3300.1400; 3300.1500; 3300.1600; 3300.1700; 3300.1800; and <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.6"></a><var>15.6</var>3300.1900, are repealed.<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.7"></a><var>15.7</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 2. <b>Energy conservation loan program.</b> Minnesota Rules, parts 7607.0100; <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.8"></a><var>15.8</var>7607.0110; 7607.0120; 7607.0130; 7607.0140; 7607.0150; 7607.0160; 7607.0170; and <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.9"></a><var>15.9</var>7607.0180, are repealed.<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.10"></a><var>15.10</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 3. <b>Electric utilities; extended forecasts.</b> Minnesota Rules, part 7610.0300,<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.11"></a><var>15.11</var> is repealed.<br />
         		<a id="pl.15.12"></a><var>15.12</var>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subd. 4. <b>Cooling systems replacement; energy efficiency criteria.</b> Minnesota <br />
         		<a id="pl.15.13"></a><var>15.13</var>Rules, parts 7685.0100; 7685.0120; 7685.0130; and 7685.0140, are repealed.<br />
         		
      </div>