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HF4596

Brainerd; energy efficiency projects funding provided, and money appropriated.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)

Related bill: SF4708

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

  • The bill would provide funding to Brainerd Public Utilities to support energy efficiency projects in Brainerd. It would appropriate $7,500,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the Renewable Development Account to the commissioner of commerce to grant Brainerd Public Utilities for these projects.

Key Provisions

  • Amount and timing: $7,500,000 in fiscal year 2027.
  • Source of funds: Renewable Development Account, under Minnesota Statutes section 116C.779 subdivision 1.
  • Beneficiary: Brainerd Public Utilities.
  • Administration: The commissioner of commerce would issue the grant.
  • Use of funds: To support energy efficiency projects.
  • Definition of energy efficiency project: Includes upgrades to existing turbine generators, replacement of existing turbine generators with new units, and improvements to existing structures to accommodate new turbine generators.
  • Availability of funds: The appropriation is available until expended.
  • Legal authority: Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes section 116C.779 subdivision 1 paragraph j, the funds may be used as described.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Overrides a restriction in the referenced statute to allow this specific appropriation and grant to Brainerd Public Utilities for energy efficiency projects.

Overall Goal

  • To enhance energy efficiency for Brainerd Public Utilities by updating or replacing turbine generators and modifying facilities as needed.

Relevant Context

  • The bill ties funding to the broader framework governing renewable development and utility energy efficiency, but creates a specific, standalone grant mechanism for Brainerd Public Utilities.

Relevant Terms

  • Brainerd Public Utilities
  • energy efficiency projects
  • grant
  • commissioner of commerce
  • Renewable Development Account
  • Minnesota Statutes section 116C.779
  • subdivision 1
  • paragraph j
  • upgrades to existing turbine generators
  • replacing existing turbine generators with new units
  • improvements to existing structures to accommodate new turbine generators
  • fiscal year 2027
  • available until expended
  • Notwithstanding

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 23, 2026HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEnergy Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Authorizes an appropriation from the Renewable Development Account to Brainerd Public Utilities for energy efficiency projects.",
        "Explicit reference to Minnesota Statutes 116C.779, subdivision 1, paragraph j."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Notwithstanding Minn. Stat. 116C.779, subdivision 1, paragraph j, the bill provides a $7,500,000 appropriation in fiscal year 2027 from the Renewable Development Account to the commissioner of commerce for a grant to Brainerd Public Utilities to fund energy efficiency projects.",
      "modified": [
        "No modification to the substantive provisions of Minn. Stat. 116C.779; this is an appropriation."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "Minnesota Statutes section 116C.779",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1 paragraph j"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Notwithstanding 116C.779 subdivision 1; appropriation remains from that authority."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The section references Minnesota Statutes 116C.779, subdivision 1, to authorize the appropriation for Brainerd Public Utilities energy efficiency projects.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "Minnesota Statutes section 116C.779",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 1"
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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