HF 1782

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/12/2015 04:17pm

A bill for an act
relating to energy; providing for competitive rate schedules for energy-intensive
trade-exposed electric utility customers; proposing coding for new law in
Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216B.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [216B.1696] COMPETITIVE RATE FOR ENERGY-INTENSIVE
TRADE-EXPOSED ELECTRIC UTILITY CUSTOMER.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms
have the meanings given them.
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new text begin (b) "Clean energy technology" is energy technology that generates electricity from a
noncarbon-emitting resource, including but not limited to solar, wind, hydroelectric,
nuclear, and biomass.
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new text begin (c) "Energy-intensive trade-exposed customer" is defined to include:
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new text begin (1) an iron mining extraction and processing facility, including a scram mining
facility as defined in Minnesota Rules, part 6130.0100, subpart 16;
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new text begin (2) a paper mill, wood products manufacturer, sawmill, or oriented strand board
manufacturer;
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new text begin (3) a copper, nickel, or precious metals mining extraction and processing facility;
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new text begin (4) a steel mill and related facilities;
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new text begin (5) an oil and liquids pipeline;
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new text begin (6) a ceiling panel manufacturer; and
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new text begin (7) any other globally competitive electric utility customer whose energy costs are a
significant portion of the customer's overall cost of production.
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new text begin (d) "EITE rate schedule" means a rate schedule under which an investor-owned
electric utility may set the terms of service for an individual or group of energy-intensive,
trade-exposed customers.
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new text begin (e) "EITE rate" means the rate or rates offered by the utility under an EITE rate
schedule.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Rates and terms of EITE rate schedule. new text end

new text begin (a) It is the energy policy of the
state of Minnesota to ensure competitive electric rates for energy-intensive, trade-exposed
customers. To achieve this objective, an investor-owned electric utility may propose
various EITE rate options under an EITE rate schedule, including but not limited to fixed
rates, market-based rates, and rates to encourage utilization of clean energy technology.
new text end

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding section 216B.03, 216B.05, 216B.06, 216B.07, or 216B.16, the
commission shall approve a proposed EITE rate schedule if it finds the schedule provides
net benefits to the utility or the state.
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new text begin (c) The commission shall make a final determination in any proceeding begun under
this section within 90 days of a miscellaneous rate filing by the electric utility.
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new text begin (d) Upon approval of an EITE rate schedule, the utility shall recover any costs
associated with the EITE rate from the utility's nonenergy-intensive, trade-exposed
customers.
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