This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance the focus on affordability and customer considerations in the regulation of public utility rates. Specifically, it requires the commission to promote affordable service for all Minnesotans while ensuring that rates remain just and reasonable. The bill emphasizes that rates should not be discriminatory and should be equitable across consumer classes. Additionally, it mandates that any doubts regarding the reasonableness of rates should be resolved in favor of the consumer.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a requirement for the commission to consider customers' ability to pay when determining what constitutes a fair and reasonable return for public utilities. This addition aims to ensure that the financial needs of both the public utilities and the consumers are balanced, taking into account the public's need for adequate service and the utility's need for sufficient revenue. Overall, the amendments seek to create a more consumer-friendly approach to utility rate-setting in Minnesota.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 216B.03, 216B.16