Bill > HF2498

This bill establishes a new geothermal heat exchange system rebate program administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce to provide financial assistance for installing geothermal heating and cooling technology. Eligible applicants include businesses, nonprofits, government entities, tribes, and religious institutions that have received or applied for federal rebates through the Inflation Reduction Act for commercial or multifamily buildings in Minnesota. To qualify, applicants must own the building, have a recent energy audit conducted by a certified professional, install a geothermal heat exchange system with recommended capacity, and use a qualified contractor. The rebate will cover up to 15% of system costs, not exceeding $100,000 per project, and will prioritize applications from nonprofit or government-owned low-income properties. The program will be funded through two sources: money from the renewable development account for projects within a specific utility's service area, and general fund money for projects outside that area. A separate account will be created in the state treasury to manage these funds, with any remaining money canceling to the renewable development account on January 1, 2033. The bill aims to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling technologies across Minnesota.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF2498&ssn=0&y=2025