The bill amends Minnesota Statutes to delay the requirement for electric utilities to meet renewable energy, solar, or carbon-free standards under specific conditions. 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 significant addition to the law is that the requirement to meet a standard obligation is automatically delayed for three years for any electric utility that does not meet a specified goal, as determined 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 goal. 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 provisions are effective the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 216B.1691