Customers could use eligible plug-in solar without utility approval

Electric utilities would exempt eligible plug-in solar devices from connection agreements, fees, and approval requirements. Covered devices would be portable, mainly offset the customer's electricity use, produce no more than 1,200 watts, support on-site battery connections, and meet the UL 3700 safety standard. Utilities could require registration, and customers would have to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. The devices would be outside the state's net-metering rules for crediting electricity sent to the grid. Utilities would not be liable for damage or injury caused by these devices. These rules would take effect the day after final enactment.

Heat pump rebate applicants would have to meet federal rebate requirements and use contractors approved under comparable federal programs. Otherwise eligible applicants would need to own the Minnesota home where the heat pump is installed or have the owner's signed approval. Applicants would have to accept the possible effects of replacing their home's main natural gas heating system with a heat pump. They would need a heat pump sized as recommended by an auditor or contractor and documentation of purchase and installation costs. The commerce commissioner could adjust requirements to match comparable federal programs.

The Minnesota Climate Innovation Financing Authority could borrow money or property and sell loans or the rights securing them. These powers would support the authority's activities. Its loans and related obligations would not count as state debt. Loan documents would have to clearly state that the state is not liable for these obligations. Gifts, grants, and donated financial interests would have to go into the authority's designated account.

Local government energy grant applications would be allowed through June 30, 2028. The commerce commissioner could reimburse certain earlier costs through the state competitiveness fund. The deadline covers the local government grant program in section 216C.377. Reimbursements cover competitiveness fund projects serving clean energy or energy-related climate goals. Reimbursement could cover required cost-sharing expenses incurred after the federal award agreement starts but before the state contract takes effect, to meet federal award schedules. Payment would require written federal confirmation that the project will receive federal funds. The application deadline provision specifies June 1, 2026, as its effective date. Local grant reports would run annually through January 15, 2029. Competitiveness fund reports would be due February 15 each year through 2035 and include an independent audit for the previous fiscal year.

The commerce commissioner could enter energy research and planning partnerships within Minnesota or across state lines. Security planning would cover all energy sources, statewide threats, links between essential systems, ways to reduce risks, and regional coordination. Energy security plan responsibilities would follow a planning, preparedness, and response framework. Those responsibilities would involve consultation with government agencies, energy providers, community organizations, and others as appropriate.