SF425

SF425 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Small natural gas utilities Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulation exemption eligibility provision

AI Generated Summary

The proposed bill, SF No 425, aims to modify the rules for when small natural gas utilities can be exempt from regulation by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Specifically, it changes the criteria such that small gas utilities serving 650 to 2,500 customers within a municipality, and no more than 5,000 customers outside the municipality, can seek an exemption from certain regulatory provisions. The municipality must file a request for this exemption, and the utility is still required to follow specific rules, like those governing disconnection during cold weather, and to keep the commission informed about rate and tariff changes. If a municipality decides to rescind the exemption request later, the utility will again be subject to regular commission regulations.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
January 20, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 20, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate
March 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Chief author stricken
March 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Chief author stricken
March 23, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Chief author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces a clear specification for exemption based on customer count and service location."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends the eligibility criteria for small natural gas utilities to be exempt from regulation by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission under section 216B.16 subdivision 12.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the exemption conditions based on municipal boundaries and customer service count."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216B.16"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references the ability of the commission to initiate an investigation under section 216B.17.",
      "modified": [
        "Allows investigation initiation on the commission's own motion or customer complaint regarding services outside of municipalities."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "216B.17"
  }
]