This bill establishes standards for distributed energy resource (DER) aggregators in Minnesota, defining key terms and outlining the regulatory authority of the commission over these entities. It specifies that a DER aggregator is an entity that aggregates distributed energy resources from retail customers for participation in wholesale markets, and it clarifies that such aggregators are not classified as public utilities. The bill also includes provisions for the commission to regulate DER aggregator operations to ensure safety and reliability, protect retail customers, and resolve disputes. Additionally, it prohibits DER aggregators from operating in certain electric utility service areas without permission and establishes guidelines for maintaining retail rate integrity to prevent double compensation for services.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that public utilities with significant retail electric sales must file tariffs governing the operation of DER aggregators within their service territories. These tariffs must include protocols for communication, accounting mechanisms to avoid double compensation, and data exchange requirements. The commission is authorized to assess fees on DER aggregators to cover administrative costs, with the collected funds appropriated for the implementation of the bill. The new legal language is proposed to be codified in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 216B, and the provisions will take effect the day after final enactment.