Portable solar generation device definition establishment and portable solar generation devices exemption from interconnection and net metering requirements provision

A bill for an act

relating to energy; defining portable solar generation device; exempting portable

solar generation devices from interconnection and net metering requirements;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 216B.164, subdivision 2a, by adding

a subdivision; 326B.38, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.164, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Definitions.

(a) For
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the
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purposes of this section, the following terms have the

meanings given
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them
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.

(b) "Aggregated meter" means a meter located on the premises of a customer's owned

or leased property that is contiguous with property containing the customer's designated

meter.

(c) "Capacity" means the number of megawatts alternating current (AC) at the point of

interconnection between a distributed generation facility and a utility's electric system.

(d) "Cogeneration" means a combined process whereby electrical and useful thermal

energy are produced simultaneously.

(e) "Contiguous property" means property owned or leased by the customer sharing a

common border, without regard to interruptions in contiguity caused by easements, public

thoroughfares, transportation rights-of-way, or utility rights-of-way.

(f) "Customer" means the person who is named on the utility electric bill for the premises.

(g) "Designated meter" means a meter that is physically attached to the customer's facility

that the customer-generator designates as the first meter to which net metered credits are

to be applied as the primary meter for billing purposes when the customer is serviced by

more than one meter.

(h) "Distributed generation" means a facility that:

(1) has a capacity
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of
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that is greater than 1,200 watts but less than
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ten megawatts
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or less
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;

(2) is interconnected with a utility's distribution system, over which the commission has

jurisdiction;
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and
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(3) generates electricity from natural gas, renewable fuel, or a similarly clean fuel, and

may include waste heat, cogeneration, or fuel cell technology
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.
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; and
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(4) is not a portable solar generation device.

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(i) "High-efficiency distributed generation" means a distributed energy facility that has

a minimum efficiency of 40 percent, as calculated under section
272.0211
, subdivision 1.

(j) "Net metered facility" means an electric generation facility constructed for the purpose

of offsetting energy use through the use of renewable energy or high-efficiency distributed

generation sources.

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(k) "Portable solar generation device" means a moveable photovoltaic generation device

that:

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(1) has a maximum power output that does not exceed 1,200 watts;

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(2) is designed to be connected to a building's electrical system through a standard

120-volt alternating current outlet;

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(3) is primarily intended to offset part of the customer's electricity consumption;

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(4) includes a device or feature that prevents the system from energizing the building's

electrical system during a power outage;

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(5) meets the standards provided under the most recent version of the National Electric

Code; and

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(6) is certified by Underwriters Laboratories or an equivalent nationally recognized

testing laboratory.

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(k)
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(l)
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"Renewable energy" has the meaning given in section
216B.2411, subdivision 2
.

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(l)
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(m)
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"Standby charge" means a charge imposed by an electric utility upon a distributed

generation facility for the recovery of costs for the provision of standby services, as provided

for in a utility's tariffs approved by the commission, necessary to make electricity service

available to the distributed generation facility.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 216B.164, is amended by adding a subdivision

to read:

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Subd. 13.

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Exemptions.

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(a) A portable solar generation device is exempt from:

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(1) the interconnection requirements under this section; and

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(2) the net metering requirements under this section.

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(b) A utility is prohibited from requiring a customer using a portable solar generation

device to:

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(1) obtain the utility's approval before installing or using the portable solar generation

device;

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(2) pay a fee or charge related to the portable solar generation device; or

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(3) install additional controls or equipment beyond what is integrated into the portable

solar generation device.

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(c) A utility is not liable for any damage or injury caused by a portable solar generation

device.

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Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 326B.38, is amended by adding a subdivision to

read:

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Subd. 2a.

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Portable photovoltaic generation devices.

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(a) For the purposes of this section,

"portable photovoltaic generation device" has the meaning given in section 216B.164,

subdivision 2a, paragraph (k).

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(b) Sections 326B.31 to 326B.399 do not apply to planning, laying out, installing, and

repairing a portable photovoltaic generation device. Sections 326B.31 to 326B.399 apply

to installing electrical wiring to the portable photovoltaic generation device.

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