1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; requiring a microgrids study; appropriating money.
1.3 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.4 	Section 1. MICROGRID PILOT PROJECT STUDY.
 1.5 	(a) The commissioner of commerce must conduct a study to develop a strategy for the 
1.6 	state to advance the commercial application of microgrids by helping to establish pilot 
1.7 	projects at sites owned and operated by public entities, including but not limited to the state, 
1.8 	political subdivisions, and the University of Minnesota. The study must focus on how the 
1.9 	state can assist in integrating microgrids ready for commercial application. The study must 
1.10 	also evaluate options to fund microgrid pilot projects, including but not limited to allowing 
1.11 	costs to be recovered from utility ratepayers, integrating microgrids into bonding projects, 
1.12 	using private funding, and providing state support.
1.13 	(b) By February 15, 2020, the commissioner of commerce must submit a report 
1.14 	documenting the study's findings and recommendations to the chairs and ranking minority 
1.15 	members of the senate and house of representatives committees with primary jurisdiction 
1.16 	over energy policy.

1.17 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.

1.18 	Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION.
 1.19 	$....... in fiscal year 2020 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of 
1.20 	commerce for a study to develop a strategy regarding how the state can assist in establishing 
1.21 	microgrid pilot projects, as described in section 1.

2.1 	EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment.