MN HF4046

Requires each investor-owned utility to include an assessment of energy storage systems in integrated resource plans, analyzing systems as transmission and distribution resources and as alternatives to generation resources.

Mandates the Commissioner of Commerce to contract with an independent consultant to produce a cost-benefit analysis of energy storage systems by December 31, 2018, examining ratepayer savings, customer cost savings, renewable integration, reliability, greenhouse gas emissions, and retail rate impacts.

Authorizes the Public Utilities Commission to consider and establish energy storage deployment targets for investor-owned utilities to achieve by December 31, 2025, potentially including competitive deployment processes and accountability mechanisms.

Defines "energy storage system" as commercially available stationary technology that absorbs and stores electrical energy for later use through mechanical, chemical, or thermal processes, including thermal energy storage for heating or cooling.

Appropriates funds from the renewable development account in fiscal year 2019 to conduct the energy storage systems cost-benefit analysis.