Bill Summary: SF1915 - Conservation Improvement Program Modernization Act of 2019

• Establishes conservation improvement program requirements for consumer-owned utilities (municipal electric utilities, municipal gas utilities, and cooperative electric associations with specified minimum size thresholds).

• Sets annual energy savings goals of 1.5 percent of gross annual retail energy sales, with at least 0.75 percent from energy conservation improvements and up to 0.75 percent from alternative sources including electric utility infrastructure projects, efficient electrification, and solar rebates.

• Requires consumer-owned utilities to file energy conservation and optimization plans by June 1, 2021, with annual updates thereafter, covering multiyear periods up to five years.

• Mandates all consumer-owned utilities spend at least 0.2 percent of residential customer operating revenue on low-income energy conservation programs, with contributions to an energy and conservation account overseen by the commissioner.

• Applies similar 1.5 percent energy savings goals to public utilities while maintaining existing cost-effectiveness and low-income program requirements; repeals former subdivision 1b requirements for municipalities and cooperatives.