This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to delay the requirement for electric utilities to meet renewable energy, solar, or carbon-free standards under certain conditions. Specifically, it allows the commission to modify or delay these obligations if it determines that doing so is in the public interest, considering factors such as customer utility costs, environmental impacts, and reliability of the electric system. A new provision is added that automatically delays the requirement for three years for any electric utility that does not meet specific goals set by the commissioner.

Additionally, the bill introduces a prohibition on the demolition of fossil-fuel-powered electric generating plants by political subdivisions if the utility has not met the established goals. This aims to ensure that utilities are held accountable for their progress towards renewable energy standards before they can dismantle existing fossil fuel infrastructure. Both new provisions regarding the delay of standard obligations and the prohibition on demolition are effective the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 216B.1691