Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to protect the rights of Minnesota Tribal governments by ensuring they can install electricity-producing facilities without restrictions from electric utilities. The focus is on supporting sustainable energy development in Indian Country.

Main Provisions

• Prohibition on Restrictions: The bill amends existing energy statutes to prevent electric utilities from prohibiting Minnesota Tribal governments from installing electricity generation facilities. This ensures Tribal governments can pursue self-sufficiency in energy production.
• Electricity Production in Tribal Areas: It specifies that electric utilities cannot interfere with the establishment of power generation facilities that serve buildings owned and operated by these Tribal governments.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Modification to Exclusive Service Rights: The bill modifies the exclusive service rights previously held by electric utilities in Minnesota, making an exception for Minnesota Tribal governments. These governments now have the ability to independently build and operate electricity-producing facilities without the need for consent from existing electric utilities.

Relevant Terms

• Electric utility
• Minnesota Tribal government
• Electricity generation facility
• Indian Country