Bill > SF3209

This bill requires public utilities in Minnesota to develop and file a virtual power plant (VPP) tariff and program with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission by 2026. A virtual power plant is a program that aggregates electricity from distributed energy resources like solar panels, energy storage systems, electric vehicles, smart thermostats, and heat pumps, and can activate these resources during grid events to reduce electricity demand. The bill mandates that utilities must reduce their winter and summer peak energy demand by at least 10% by 2028 through these VPP programs and other demand reduction initiatives. The proposed legislation outlines detailed requirements for the VPP programs, including goals such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering ratepayer bills, improving grid reliability, and avoiding infrastructure construction. Utilities must include information about VPP programs in their integrated resource plans, estimating peak demand reductions and program costs. The bill also establishes provisions for participant compensation, data sharing, and commission oversight, and allows utilities to recover costs associated with developing and implementing these programs. Additionally, utilities will be required to submit annual reports detailing their VPP program's performance, enrolled capacity, and recommendations for increasing participation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF3209&ssn=0&y=2025