HF2834 Summary

• Public Utilities Commission must open a docket by July 1, 2010 to examine impacts of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure on utility operations, distribution systems, rates, and regulation in Minnesota.

• Docket must address impacts on bi-directional charging stations, effects of various EV penetration levels (1-30% or more) on baseload and peaking operations, and mechanisms to minimize strain from simultaneous vehicle recharging such as time-of-use rates.

• Commission shall solicit input from five largest public utilities, municipal utilities, distribution cooperatives, electric utilities, ratepayers, environmental organizations, EV manufacturers, and other stakeholders on technical barriers, business model changes, and fuel profile impacts.

• Docket must close by December 31, 2010, with commission submitting report to legislative energy policy committees by February 15, 2011 summarizing issues raised and listing potential actions to promote EV use, minimize generating capacity needs, meet state energy goals, and reduce ratepayer costs.

• This section becomes effective upon final enactment.