5.2. ERMUSR 09-08-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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development, and energy were also included. Policy provisions of interest to MMUA included: • To sunset the Conservation Improvement Program(CIP) effective December 31, 2016 and establish a task force of stakeholders to develop a replacement conservation program • To allow hydroelectric facilities over 100 MW put into place after January 1, 2015 to count towards meeting the Renewable Energy Standard(RES) • To allow the 1.5%solar standard in place for investor-owned utilities to be met by any more affordable form of clean energy • To repeal the"value of solar"tariff • To allow municipal utilities and co-ops to charge an additional fee to net-metering customers to cover the fixed costs of distributed generation (Similar provisions were passed in Special Session Chapter 1) • To allow all utilities to compensate net-metering customers at their avoided cost rate • To allow municipal utility and co-op customers to choose to be compensated for their net inputs by retail rate bill credits, which may accumulate month-to-month but expire at year's end (Similar provisions were passed in Special Session Chapter 1) • To repeal the nuclear moratorium • To require Legislative approval of the MPCA's 111(d) state implementation plan, and to modify the state's greenhouse gas reduction goals to coincide with this plan • To allow investor-owned utilities to propose multi-year,performance based rate plans (Similar provisions were passed in Special Session Chapter 1) • To allow investor-owned natural gas utilities to file for rate recovery for natural gas extension projects (Similar provisions were passed in Special Session Chapter 1) • To allow investor-owned utilities to offer competitive rate schedules for energy-intensive, trade-exposed customers (Similar provisions were passed in Special Session Chapter 1) • To study the potential of transferring some duties from the Division of Energy Resources to the Public Utilities Commission (Similar provisions were passed in Special Session Chapter 1) • To request all utilities to submit a report to the Legislature on statutes and regulations that lead to increased rates but no ratepayer benefit • To study the costs/benefits of creating a Public Power Authority for generation and transmission • To modify the siting for large solar energy generating systems: requiring a 400-foot setback from residential property, requiring the environmental review to consider the effects of the system on agricultural drainage systems,having the PUC analyze the impact of the system on airports, highways, and local comprehensive plans, and requiring local government approval before permits are issued • To change Xcel's Renewable Development Fund to the Energy Fund within the state budget. The use of these funds would expand to include statewide rebates for solar/geothermal/wind/energy storage, solar incentives,rebates for electric, compressed, natural gas and propane vehicles, and various studies. In addition to Xcel's contributions, this fund would receive a$7m General Fund Appropriation. 134