SF2075 Summary

• Appropriates $16.3 million for fiscal years 2022-2023 to state energy and utilities agencies for conservation programs, telecommunications services, and energy regulation activities.

• Establishes a state building energy conservation revolving loan fund allowing agencies to borrow for energy efficiency improvements with repayment from operational savings.

• Creates solar energy programs for schools including $8 million for solar installations in school buildings and establishes a solar for schools program with specific utility incentives.

• Enacts natural gas utility innovation plans allowing utilities to develop and recover costs for renewable natural gas, biogas, hydrogen production, and strategic electrification projects subject to commission approval and cost-effectiveness standards.

• Establishes a $3.75 million annual wood pellet production incentive program ($25 per metric ton) for eligible Minnesota facilities producing at least 50,000 metric tons annually, and creates a biomass business compensation program with $40 million in funding for businesses affected by early termination of biomass plant power purchase agreements.