This bill aims to enhance energy management in Minnesota by requiring public utilities to provide additional information in their resource plans and to establish a virtual power plant tariff and program. Specifically, it amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.2422, to mandate that public utilities include estimates of the reduction in system peak demand and the associated costs of implementing a virtual power plant program in their resource plan filings. The bill also introduces a new section, 216B.2429, which outlines the definitions, objectives, and requirements for the virtual power plant program, including the need for utilities to file a tariff that aims to reduce peak demand, lower costs for ratepayers, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a framework for the operation of the virtual power plant program, detailing the roles of aggregators and participants, as well as the commission's responsibilities in approving and overseeing the program. It sets targets for reducing system peak demand by at least ten percent by 2028 and allows for cost recovery for utilities implementing the program. Additionally, it requires annual reporting from public utilities to track the program's effectiveness and contributions to grid services. The provisions of this bill are set to take effect the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 216B.2422