MN HF3254

Amends Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 216B.1691, subdivision 2b to allow the commission to modify or delay implementation of renewable energy standards if it finds significant rate impact, reliability concerns, or technical issues.

Commission may modify or delay standards based on factors including customer utility costs, electric system reliability, technical advances, site acquisition delays, availability of suitable locations, equipment delays, transmission constraints, and other statutory obligations.

Commission must give preference to electric generation through eligible energy technology and achievement of standards when deciding whether to delay or modify standard implementation.

Electric utilities requesting modification or delay of standard obligations must file a compliance plan in the same proceeding as the delay request.

Amends section 216F.081 to authorize counties to adopt ordinances establishing official controls restricting the siting of light wind energy conversion systems (LWECS) more stringently than commission rules, including prohibition of LWECS in certain zoning districts, which the commission must consider and apply unless finding good cause not to.