This bill proposes significant changes to Minnesota's energy laws, primarily by repealing the renewable development account and establishing a new solar energy production incentive program. The bill repeals several sections of Minnesota Statutes related to the renewable development account and introduces a solar energy production incentive program that will be operational through December 31, 2025. It allocates specific funding for this program from 2021 to 2025 and establishes a solar energy production incentive account, managed by the commissioner of commerce, with funds available for expenditure from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2036. Additionally, the bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund for solar energy production incentives and mandates the refunding of any remaining funds in the renewable development account to utility customers as of the bill's effective date.

The bill also outlines provisions for managing and expending funds from the renewable development account, focusing on supporting renewable energy projects and addressing the financial responsibilities of public utilities regarding spent nuclear fuel storage. It establishes criteria for determining the combined nameplate capacity of wind energy conversion systems and allows for the continuation of incentive payments to subsequent owners of qualifying facilities. The legislation emphasizes the importance of ensuring that projects funded by the renewable development account provide tangible benefits to Minnesota citizens and businesses, while also requiring that all final reports acknowledge the funding source. Overall, the bill aims to streamline solar energy incentives and promote renewable energy development in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 116C.7792, 116J.55, 216B.1645, 216C.377, 216C.417, 216C.412