SF 3089

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/22/2016 09:53am

A bill for an act
relating to energy; establishing an ombudsperson position for the Public Utilities
Commission; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 216A.04, by adding a
subdivision.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 216A.04, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 3a. new text end

new text begin Ombudsperson; duties. new text end

new text begin (a) The commission must appoint an
ombudsperson. The ombudsperson must be selected without regard to political affiliation
and must be qualified to perform the duties specified in this subdivision.
new text end

new text begin (b) The ombudsperson's duties include, but are not limited to:
new text end

new text begin (1) providing independent, impartial, and informal assistance to utility customers on
technical disputes regarding distributed generation, energy efficiency, and other customer
services;
new text end

new text begin (2) serving as a mediator between a customer and a utility;
new text end

new text begin (3) facilitating dispute resolution;
new text end

new text begin (4) making dispute resolution recommendations upon request by the customer,
which are binding on both parties and may be appealed to the commission by either party;
new text end

new text begin (5) preparing orders, reports, and other materials as assigned by the commission;
new text end

new text begin (6) making recommendations to achieve the objectives of the commission, as
appropriate; and
new text end

new text begin (7) providing an annual report to the commission on the work and services provided
by the ombudsperson, which must include the action and outcome of each dispute
considered with citations to the relevant statute, order, tariff, code, or rule used to support
the ombudsperson's findings.
new text end