Minnesota 2023-2024 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF2439

Introduced
3/2/23  

Caption

Provisions providing for participant's compensation in Public Utilities Commission proceedings modified, and report required.

Impact

The implementation of HF2439 is expected to have significant implications for public utility regulation in Minnesota. By enabling nonprofits and tribal governments to receive financial remuneration for their contributions, the bill aims to enhance public engagement and ensure that diverse perspectives are represented in important utility-related decisions. This could lead to more equitable outcomes and better reflect community concerns in regulatory processes involving public utilities.

Summary

House File 2439 proposes modifications to the provisions governing participant compensation in proceedings conducted by the Public Utilities Commission. This bill aims to ensure that certain participants, notably nonprofit organizations and tribal governments, can receive compensation for their involvement in regulatory proceedings surrounding public utilities. In order to qualify for compensation, participants must demonstrate that their involvement materially assists the commission's deliberations, making a unique contribution that would otherwise be absent from the proceedings.

Contention

While the intent of HF2439 is generally viewed as positive in terms of fostering engagement from underrepresented groups, some stakeholders express concerns about the potential financial implications for public utilities. The bill calls for utilities to cover the costs of participant compensation, which some critics argue could lead to increased utility rates or a heavier regulatory burden. Therefore, the balancing act between promoting public participation and ensuring reasonable costs for consumers is a point of contention in the legislative discussion surrounding this bill.

Companion Bills

MN SF2460

Similar To Provisions modifications providing for a participant's compensation in certain Public Utilities Commission proceedings

Previously Filed As

MN SF2460

Provisions modifications providing for a participant's compensation in certain Public Utilities Commission proceedings

MN HF4574

Energy; public utilities requirements modified relating to fuel-switching improvements and other related provisions.

MN HF2754

Energy; biennial budget established for Department of Commerce, Public Utilities Commission, and energy, climate, and clean energy activities; energy and utility regulation provisions established and modified; enhanced transportation electrification provided; various clean and renewable energy grant programs established; reports required; and money appropriated.

MN AB2431

Public Utilities Commission: proceedings: intervenor compensation.

MN AB304

Public Utilities Commission: proceedings: intervenor compensation.

MN SB605

Public Utilities Commission: proceedings.

MN HF1386

Energy storage provisions added and modified to support deployment, utilities required to install an energy storage system, Public Utilities Commission required to order the installation of energy storage systems, public utilities required to file a plan to install energy storage systems, incentive program established, and money appropriated.

MN SB1358

Public Utilities Commission: proceedings: hearings.

MN HF2986

Additional information in a public utility's resource plan required, public utilities directed to file a virtual power plant tariff and program with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, cost recovery provided, and reports required.

MN SB599

Public Utilities Commission: proceedings, reports, and public utility procurement.

Similar Bills

MN SF2460

Provisions modifications providing for a participant's compensation in certain Public Utilities Commission proceedings

MN SF2847

Omnibus Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate appropriations

RI H5815

Establishes an intervenor support program to provide compensation for an intervenor who makes a substantial contribution to a proceeding resulting in a decision favorable to the interest of utility consumers.

RI S0378

Establishes an intervenor support program to provide compensation for an intervenor who makes a substantial contribution to a proceeding resulting in a decision favorable to the interest of utility consumers.

ME LD395

An Act to Expand Funding Sources Within the Public Utilities Commission for Intervenor and Participant Funding

ME LD1405

An Act to Amend Laws Governing the Public Utilities Commission Concerning Participant Funding

MN SF3407

Workers' Compensation Advisory Council recommendations adoption

MN HF3228

Workers' Compensation Advisory Council recommendations adopted.