HF4177 Summary

• Establishes a supplemental energy budget appropriating $1.566 billion from the renewable development account for geothermal energy systems, solar incentives, thermal energy networks, and grid modernization projects.

• Creates $5 million grant for geothermal system at Sabathani Community Center in Minneapolis and $2.5 million for geothermal planning grants to political subdivisions for feasibility assessments.

• Allocates $1.7 million to SolarAPP+ program for local government incentives to deploy automated residential solar permitting software.

• Establishes thermal energy network deployment workgroup to examine regulatory opportunities and barriers, with a report due December 31, 2025.

• Modifies electric transmission requirements to include grid-enhancing technologies in utility transmission plans and changes permitting thresholds from 200 kilovolts to 300 kilovolts for certain high-voltage transmission lines.

• Creates residential energy rating rebate program offering up to $5,000 per single-family home unit certified under federal Zero Energy Ready Home Program.

• Expands commercial PACE loan financing to include water improvements, resiliency improvements, and farmland improvements with extended repayment terms up to 30 years.