1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to energy; exempting utilities from certain requirements under certain 
1.3 	conditions;proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216B.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. [216B.1697] EXEMPTIONS FROM CERTAIN MANDATES.
1.6 	If the annual unemployment rate in 40 percent or more of the counties located within 
1.7 	the service area of a public utility or cooperative electric association exceeds the statewide 
1.8 	average unemployment rate, the public utility or cooperative electric association may elect 
1.9 	to be exempt from sections 216B.1612, 216B.1691, and 216B.241, provided the public 
1.10 	utility or cooperative electric association deems compliance with sections 216B.1612, 
1.11 	216B.1691, and 216B.241, increases electric rates. A public utility or cooperative electric 
1.12 	association electing an exemption under this section must notify the commission at least 
1.13 	30 days prior to the election's effective date. The exemption terminates after five years, 
1.14 	but may be renewed upon termination at the discretion of the public utility or cooperative 
1.15 	electric association if the conditions of this section continue to be met.

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