SF 3030

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/31/2023 08:19am

A bill for an act
relating to energy; establishing a grant program to develop distributed energy
projects; requiring a report; appropriating money.

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

Section 1. new text begin DISTRIBUTED ENERGY GRANTS.
new text end

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.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Department" means the Department of Commerce.
new text end

new text begin (d) "Electric utility" has the meaning given in Minnesota Statutes, section 216B.1691,
subdivision 1, paragraph (d).
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Grant awards. new text end

new text begin Grants may be awarded under this section to electric utilities
for projects that:
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new text begin (1) develop or improve distributed energy resources in the state;
new text end

new text begin (2) demonstrate the project helps provide flexibility to electric utilities or consumers,
lead to lower rates, provide environmental benefits, or increase the resilience of an electric
grid;
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new text begin (3) are power generation resources located near load centers; and
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new text begin (4) may be used individually or in aggregate to provide electricity to the grid.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Grant awards; administration. new text end

new text begin (a) An entity seeking a grant award under
subdivision 2 must submit an application to the commissioner on a form prescribed by the
commissioner. The commissioner is responsible for receiving and reviewing grant
applications and awarding grants under subdivision 3, and must develop administrative
procedures governing the application, evaluation, and award process. In awarding grants
under subdivision 3, the commissioner must endeavor to make awards to entities from all
regions of the state. The maximum grant award for each entity awarded a grant under
subdivision 3 is $........
new text end

new text begin (b) The department must provide technical assistance to applicants.
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new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Report. new text end

new text begin Beginning February 15, 2024, and each February 15 thereafter until
the appropriation under this section has been expended, the commissioner must submit a
written report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees
with jurisdiction over energy policy and finance on the activities taken and expenditures
made under this section. The report must, at a minimum, include each grant awarded in the
most recent calendar year and the remaining balance of the appropriation under this section.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $20,000,000 in fiscal year 2024 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
of commerce for distributed energy grants. This is a onetime appropriation and is available
until June 30, 2028.
new text end