Bill > HF4122

This bill establishes requirements for thermal energy network plans, which are systems that provide heating and cooling to multiple buildings. It amends existing law to include "thermal energy network" as a type of service provided by a "public utility," which is defined as an entity operating facilities for furnishing energy services to the public, with some exceptions. The bill introduces a new section that requires public utilities to submit a "Thermal Energy Network Service Plan" (TEN service plan) to the commission for approval before constructing a thermal energy network (TEN). This plan must detail the project, estimated costs (both for the project itself and for customers to connect), construction schedule, efforts to secure incentives, expected benefits, and a commitment to promoting economic development and good jobs through labor policies like prevailing wages and apprenticeship programs. Crucially, if the TEN will serve customers currently using natural gas, the plan must include a customer transition plan that outlines how gas service will be discontinued, offers technical assistance, provides incentives to offset connection costs, communicates project details and costs to customers, and protects low-income customers. The bill also addresses the decommissioning of existing gas infrastructure and requires the commission to consider TENs in a way comparable to other energy resources, including future emissions reductions. It also outlines consumer protections for TEN service, similar to those for gas service, and allows utilities to recover reasonable costs for implementing approved TEN plans, with limitations on recovering costs for decommissioned gas infrastructure. Finally, the bill prioritizes the siting of TEN projects in areas where new gas infrastructure is less prudent, where gas infrastructure is old or leaky, or where communities have expressed a desire for a TEN.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/94/2026/0/HF/4122/