MN SF2840

The Public Utilities Commission and Department of Public Safety must jointly study Minnesota's electrical grid vulnerability to geomagnetic disturbances from solar storms and electromagnetic pulse, including methods to reduce vulnerabilities.

The study must gather information from electric utilities, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, solar storm and electromagnetic pulse experts, and emergency hazard planners.

The report must address potential grid disturbances, existing solar storm prediction systems, mitigation steps for utilities and public/private sectors, communications system restoration after grid damage, and incorporation of grid concerns into emergency planning.

A report must be submitted by February 15, 2019 to the chairs and ranking minority members of the senate and house committees with jurisdiction over energy policy and public safety.

$50,000 is appropriated from the general fund in fiscal year 2019 to the Public Utilities Commission to complete the study.