MN HF1015

Expands definition of "gas utility projects" to include replacement or modification of natural gas facilities required by federal or state regulation, in addition to relocations required by public works projects.

Requires gas utilities to submit a gas infrastructure project plan report and cost recovery petition at least 150 days in advance of implementing a rate schedule, with submissions sent to the commission, Department of Pipeline Safety, and interested parties.

Establishes the Office of Pipeline Safety to review and verify within 60 days that proposed projects comply with federal and state regulations and assess the appropriateness of utility plans.

Allows the Public Utilities Commission to approve automatic annual adjustments to gas utility rates to recover infrastructure costs, including rate of return, taxes, depreciation, and operation and maintenance costs.

Limits gas utilities to filing cost recovery petitions no more than once per year and requires demonstration that costs were prudently incurred and achieve facility improvements at the lowest reasonable cost to ratepayers.