SF1692 - Omnibus Energy and Utilities Bill Summary

• Community Solar Garden Program: Extended deadline for filing plans to September 30, 2019; eliminated capacity limitations on cumulative generating capacity; added developer registration requirements and subscriber protections including disclosure checklists and escrow accounts for financial protection

• Renewable Energy Standard: Removed the 100 megawatt size limitation on hydroelectric sources eligible under the renewable energy standard, allowing larger hydropower facilities to count toward state renewable goals

• Nuclear Power: Abolished the prohibition on issuing certificates of need for new nuclear power plant construction; retained requirements for certificates of need addressing impacts of additional spent fuel storage

• Conservation Improvement Programs: Established new conservation improvement program requirements for consumer-owned utilities (municipal and cooperative) with 1.5 percent annual energy savings goals; included provisions for low-income programs and efficient electrification improvements

• New Energy Programs and Funding: Established solar for schools programs, electric vehicle charging station revolving loan program ($1.5M), Prairie Island net zero emissions project ($20M-$38.2M over five years), and community energy transition grants; created green roof advisory task force and required energy storage systems cost-benefit analysis