The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.1691, subdivision 1, to update the definition of "electric utility" in relation to renewable energy standards. The new definition replaces the previous categories of electric utilities, which included public utilities, generation and transmission cooperatives, municipal power agencies, power districts, and cooperative electric associations, with the inclusion of "an investor-owned utility." This change aims to clarify the types of entities that fall under the definition of electric utility for regulatory purposes.

Additionally, the bill maintains existing definitions for terms such as "carbon-free," "eligible energy technology," "environmental justice area," and "total retail electric sales." The definitions of eligible energy technologies continue to encompass various renewable sources, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, hydrogen, and biomass, while ensuring that the criteria for what constitutes an environmental justice area remain intact. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the framework for renewable energy standards by refining the classification of electric utilities.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 216B.1691