1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; providing for large solar energy electric generation 
1.3 	demonstration conservation improvement project; amending Minnesota Statutes 
1.4 	2008, section 216B.241, by adding a subdivision.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 216B.241, is amended by adding a 
1.7 	subdivision to read:
1.8 		Subd. 5c.Large solar electric generating plant. (a) For the purpose of this section:
1.9 	(1) "cooperative electric association" means a generation and transmission 
1.10 	cooperative electric association that has a member distribution cooperative association 
1.11 	to which it provides wholesale electric service in whose service territory a project is 
1.12 	located; and
1.13 	(2) "project" means a solar electric generation project consisting of arrays of solar 
1.14 	photovoltaic cells with a capacity of two to five megawatts located on the site of a closed 
1.15 	landfill owned by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
1.16 	(b) A cooperative electric association may include in its conservation plan purchases 
1.17 	of electric energy from a project, and may use up to five percent of the total amount 
1.18 	to be spent on energy conservation improvements under this section for that purpose. 
1.19 	The cost-effectiveness of project purchases may be determined by a different standard 
1.20 	than for other energy conservation improvements under this section if the commissioner 
1.21 	determines that doing so is in the public interest in order to encourage solar energy. 
1.22 	Energy savings from purchasing solar energy may not be counted toward the minimum 
1.23 	energy-savings goal of at least one percent for energy conservation improvements required 
1.24 	under subdivision 1c, but may, if the conservation plan is approved:
2.1 	(1) be counted toward energy savings above that minimum percentage; and
2.2 	(2) be considered when establishing performance incentives under subdivision 2c.