This bill aims to enhance Minnesota's energy policy and finance by establishing a budget for various energy initiatives, including geothermal and solar energy projects. It introduces new appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, allocating funds for weatherization assistance, natural gas innovation plans, community solar gardens, and energy benchmarking. The legislation also provides grants for renewable energy projects, such as a geothermal energy system at Como Zoo and a Green Hydrogen Project in St. Cloud. Additionally, it authorizes natural gas utilities to sell extraordinary event bonds, sunsets the renewable development account, and creates new accounts for energy purposes.

The bill amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes, updating definitions related to low-income households and affordability programs for energy assistance. It modifies the funding structure for low-income electric rate discounts, ensuring public utilities contribute to these initiatives, and streamlines environmental review processes for certain projects. Significant changes include a sunset provision for specific sections effective July 31, 2028, and new definitions for emergency backup generators and data centers. The bill also establishes a renewable development account advisory group to oversee expenditures and includes a rebate program for solar photovoltaic modules manufactured in Minnesota, promoting renewable energy development while ensuring accountability in the use of public funds.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 47.60, 47.601, 80A.58, 80A.65, 62E.21, 62E.23, 62E.24, 62E.25, 116C.7792, 216C.09, 216C.10, 216C.11, 216C.12, 216C.391, 342.17, 342.37
1st Engrossment: 116D.04, 216B.02, 216B.16, 216B.164, 216B.1641, 216B.1691, 216B.2402, 216B.2421, 216B.243, 216C.09, 216C.10, 216C.11, 216C.12, 216C.391, 216C.47, 216I.02, 216I.07, 216B.62, 116C.7792, 116J.55, 216B.1645, 216C.377, 216C.417, 216C.412