5.5. ERMUSR 03-19-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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swsir.�; The net metering requirements applicable to mu- nicipal electric utilities in our neighboring states are as follows: Municipal Utility Net State Metering Requirement Illinois None Iowa None Kansas None Michigan None Missouri 100 KW Nebraska 25 KW North Dakota None South Dakota None Wisconsin 20 KW In our view these neighboring states have correctly concluded that municipal electric utilities in the Upper Midwest are simply too small to be able to accommodate large net - metered loads. We submit that Minnesota's legislature should recognize this reality as well and choose not to impose an unre- alistic and impracticable requirement that they accommodate large net - metered loads that are completely out of scale to their small size. MMUA Position Municipal electric utilities are already making a significant effort to support the development V 3 ef0o d 2 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 Peak Load Comparison Position Statement* of renewable energy generation at the wholesale level and to comply with the energy conservation mandate and net metering standards at the retail level under present state law. Municipal utilities are simply too small to be able to accommodate a significant increase in mandated renewable de- velopment, both operationally and financially. We believe that municipal electric utilities should be excluded from any new legislation that further expands net metering requirements or institutes a mandated value of solar program. If the State of Minnesota does consider expanding the net metering mandate as it applies to munici- pal electric utilities, the following principles should apply: • Municipal utility governing bodies should re- tain the right to establish the calculation meth- od for setting the rate to be paid for electricity from customer -owned renewable generation and that rate should be based on the value of the • generation to their specific systems. • There should be limits on the amount of renewable energy that any municipal utility should be mandated to purchase in order to pro- tect the reliability and viability of the utility. • Municipal utilities should not be required to accept net - metered generators that are too large for them to accommodate op- erationally and financially. • Municipal utilities should not be required to pay solar rebates. • Austin Energy - No additional Renewable Energy Standards or "carve outs" should be required from ■All Minnesota joint action agencies. Municipal Electric • Net - metered customers Utilities Combined should be required to pay for all the services that they use. 2013 State Position Statements / 7 •