MN HF29

Authorizes a public utility and the St. Paul district heating and cooling system cogeneration facility to jointly file a new power purchase agreement with the Public Utilities Commission by December 31, 2021, effective through December 31, 2023, with possible extension.

Requires the cogeneration facility to continue using waste wood as its primary fuel source and to comply with emerald ash borer quarantine requirements when using ash tree waste, including proper chipping or verified compliance certificates.

Mandates electricity pricing comparable to refuse-derived fuel costs and requires the agreement to not increase total costs to ratepayers.

Requires proposals to include an electrification project plan for the St. Paul district heating and cooling system powered by renewable energy, evaluating 30, 60, and 100 percent electrification by December 31, 2027, with cost and emissions impact estimates.

Allows the Public Utilities Commission to approve both the power purchase agreement and electrification project together if they meet all conditions and are in the public interest, and permits cost recovery from Minnesota electric service customers through an automatic mechanism.