MN HF643

Adds a new qualification requiring at least one Public Utilities Commission member to reside in an area within the exclusive service territory of an electric cooperative or municipal electric utility.

Maintains existing requirement that at least one commissioner be domiciled outside the seven-county metropolitan area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington Counties).

Preserves existing commission structure of five members with six-year terms appointed by the governor with senate consent, with no more than three from the same political party.

Takes effect August 1, 2013, with a provision that if no current commissioner meets the new qualification, the next commissioner vacancy must be filled by someone satisfying it.