MN SF3558

Commissioner may assess up to $850,000 annually to evaluate energy conservation improvement programs, establish energy-savings assumptions, and maintain an inventory of effective conservation programs and technologies.

Commissioner may expend up to $800,000 each biennium (changed from $400,000 annually) to develop, operate, maintain, and provide technical support for a uniform electronic data reporting and tracking system available to all utilities.

Commissioner must establish a utility stakeholder group to direct development and maintenance of the tracking system, with the group directing 50 percent of biennium expenditures.

Utility stakeholder group must include representatives from Minnesota Rural Electric Association, Minnesota Municipal Utility Association, investor-owned utilities, energy conservation organizations, and energy efficiency businesses.

Utility stakeholder group must elect a chair, develop and submit a workplan to the commissioner, meet regularly, and comply with open meeting requirements under Minnesota chapter 13D.