MN HF854

Modifies net metering capacity threshold for customers from "more than 40-kilowatt" to "40 kilowatts or greater but less than 1,000 kilowatts" and clarifies compensation for excess energy supplied to utility systems, effective July 1, 2013.

Establishes different low-income energy conservation spending requirements: municipal gas utilities must spend at least 0.2 percent of three-year average gross operating revenue, public utilities furnishing gas must spend at least 0.4 percent, and electric utilities must spend 0.2 percent of gross operating revenue from residential customers.

Allows utilities to exclude non-cost-effective low-income conservation improvement programs from net economic benefits calculations and apply resulting energy savings toward overall portfolio goals and financial incentive mechanisms.

Requires public interest determination for new nonrenewable energy facilities to include whether resource plans help utilities achieve greenhouse gas reduction goals, renewable energy standards, and solar energy standards.

Simplifies eminent domain procedures for high-voltage transmission lines by allowing property owners to require utilities to acquire contiguous commercially viable land, with utilities bearing burden of proof to contest commercial viability in district court within 120 days.