SF 2840

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/22/2018 09:38am

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. STUDY; ELECTRICAL GRID VULNERABILITY TO GEOMAGNETIC
DISTURBANCES AND ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE.

(a) The Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Public Safety must conduct
a joint study analyzing the Minnesota electrical grid's vulnerability to geomagnetic
disturbances caused by solar storms and electromagnetic pulse, and include information
regarding 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.

(b) At a minimum, the report must contain information regarding:

(1) potential disturbances that may impact Minnesota's electrical grid as a result of solar
storms and electromagnetic pulse;

(2) the existing system for predicting solar storms;

(3) steps utilities and the private and public sectors could take to minimize grid
vulnerability to geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulse;

(4) how to maintain and restore communications systems after grid damage from
geomagnetic disturbances and electromagnetic pulse; and

(5) how current emergency planning efforts may incorporate concerns regarding grid
damage and long-term power outage resulting from geomagnetic disturbances and
electromagnetic pulse.

(c) By February 15, 2019, 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.

(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.

(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.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

This section is effective the day following final enactment.

Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION.

$50,000 in fiscal year 2019 is appropriated from the general fund to the Public Utilities
Commission to complete the study described in section 1.