1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to utilities; increasing an acquisition cost limit requiring Public Utilities 
1.3 	Commission approval;amending Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.50, 
1.4 	subdivision 1.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 216B.50, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
1.7 		Subdivision 1.Commission approval required. No public utility shall sell, acquire, 
1.8 	lease, or rent any plant as an operating unit or system in this state for a total consideration 
1.9 	in excess of $100,000 $......., or merge or consolidate with another public utility or 
1.10 	transmission company operating in this state, without first being authorized so to do by the 
1.11 	commission. Upon the filing of an application for the approval and consent of the 
1.12 	commission, the commission shall investigate, with or without public hearing. The 
1.13 	commission shall hold a public hearing, upon such notice as the commission may require. 
1.14 	If the commission finds that the proposed action is consistent with the public interest, it 
1.15 	shall give its consent and approval by order in writing. In reaching its determination, the 
1.16 	commission shall take into consideration the reasonable value of the property, plant, or 
1.17 	securities to be acquired or disposed of, or merged and consolidated.
1.18 	This section does not apply to the purchase of property to replace or add to the plant of 
1.19 	the public utility by construction.