MN HF3415

Amends Minnesota Statutes to require the Public Utilities Commission to set rates that encourage energy conservation and renewable energy use while furthering goals of sections 216B.164, 216B.1691, 216B.241, 216C.05, and 216H.02.

Modifies interim rate procedures to allow commission to order interim rate schedules within 60 days of filing without a public hearing, with specific calculation methods and refund provisions if final rates differ significantly from interim rates.

Requires applicants for large energy facility certificates of need to demonstrate that demand cannot be met more cost-effectively through energy conservation and load-management measures, and to evaluate long-range demand forecasts, conservation programs, and alternative resources.

Prohibits the commission from issuing certificates of need for large energy facilities using nonrenewable energy sources unless applicants demonstrate that renewable alternatives are more expensive (including environmental costs), with renewable energy defined as hydro, wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass.

Requires a Public Utilities Commission study by November 1, 2011 analyzing financial mechanisms to align utility interests with energy efficiency and renewable energy goals, including revenue-per-customer decoupling, shared savings incentives, and rate-of-return incentives, with a $500,000 budget assessment.