MN HF2704

Requires high-voltage transmission lines of 100 kilovolts or more within the metropolitan area to obtain a certificate of need approved under Minnesota Statutes section 216B.243.

Certificate of need may only be approved if the Public Utilities Commission finds by clear and convincing evidence that no feasible and available distribution-level alternative exists to the transmission line.

Suspends routing proceedings for such transmission lines until the Public Utilities Commission determines the line is needed.

If a certificate of need application is withdrawn or abandoned, this requirement applies to any similar transmission line of 100 kilovolts or more proposed to meet the same needs and follow a similar route.

Any certificate of need for a replacement line becomes effective only after 30 days following adjournment of the next regular legislative session following commission approval.