HF2573

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to allocate funds to support microgrid research and application through the University of St. Thomas Center for Microgrid Research.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates $1,200,000 for fiscal year 2026 from the renewable development account. This funding is intended for the University of St. Thomas Center for Microgrid Research and will be available until June 30, 2028.
• Use of Funds: The allocated funds must be used to:
  1. Enhance the center’s capacity for providing industry partners with opportunities to test near-commercial microgrid products in real-world settings.
  2. Acquire advanced equipment and controls to expand the university’s microgrid infrastructure to more buildings.
  3. Broaden educational and outreach activities, offering hands-on learning experiences for both traditional and nontraditional students and increasing public understanding of microgrid functions.

Significant Changes

• Extended Appropriations: The bill extends the availability of previous appropriations made for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, ensuring the funds remain accessible until June 30, 2028. This extension provides a longer period for utilizing the appropriations to support microgrid research and development efforts.

Relevant Terms

• Microgrid
• Renewable development account
• Appropriation
• University of St. Thomas
• Fiscal year 2026
• Educational opportunities
• Industry partners
• Real-world testing