MN SF4687

Public Utilities Commission must establish a thermal energy network deployment work group to examine regulatory opportunities for natural gas utilities to deploy thermal energy networks and identify barriers to development.

Work group must examine public benefits, costs, impacts, and rate design options for thermal energy network deployment.

Work group membership includes representatives from the Department of Commerce, Attorney General's office, utilities, clean energy, labor organizations, geothermal technology providers, consumer protection organizations, cities, and low-income communities.

Work group must produce recommendations on deploying thermal energy networks in a regulated context while protecting public interest, reliability, affordability, environmental impacts, and socioeconomic impacts, submitted to Public Utilities Commission docket number 21-565.

Work group must submit a report with findings and recommendations to legislative committees with jurisdiction over energy policy and finance by December 31, 2025, and terminates the day after submission.