reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MN Stat § 216C.05 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.05 — Findings And Purpose.

216C.05 FINDINGS AND PURPOSE. Subdivision 1. Energy planning. The legislature finds and declares that continued growth in demand for energy will cause severe social and economic dislocations, and that the state has a vital interest in providing for: increased efficiency in energy consumption, the development and use of renewable energy resources wherever possible, and the creation of an effective energy forecasting, planning, and education program. The legislature further finds and declares that the protection of life, safety, and financial security for citizens during an energy crisis is of paramount importance. Therefore, the legislature finds that it is in the public interest to review, analyze, and encourage those energy programs that will minimize the need for annual increases in fossil fuel consumption by 1990 and the need for additional electrical generating plants, and provide for an optimum combination of energy sources and energy conservation consistent with environmental protection and the protection of citizens. The legislature intends to monitor, through energy policy planning and implementation, the transition from historic growth in energy demand to a period when demand for traditional fuels becomes stable and the supply of renewable energy resources is readily available and adequately utilized. The legislature further finds that for economic growth, environmental improvement, and protection of citizens, it is in the public interest to encourage those energy programs that will provide an optimum combination of energy resources, including energy savings. Therefore, the legislature, through its committees, must monitor and evaluate progress toward greater reliance on cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy and lesser dependence on fossil fuels in order to reduce the economic burden of fuel imports, diversify utility-owned and consumer-owned energy resources, reduce utility costs for businesses and residents, improve the competitiveness and profitability of Minnesota businesses, create more energy-related jobs that contribute to the Minnesota economy, and reduce pollution and emissions that cause climate change. Subd. 2. Energy policy goals. It is the energy policy of the state of Minnesota that: (1) annual energy savings equal to at least 1.5 percent of annual retail energy sales of electricity and natural gas be achieved through cost-effective energy efficiency; (2) the per capita use of fossil fuel as an energy input be reduced by 15 percent by the year 2015, through increased reliance on energy efficiency and renewable energy alternatives; (3) 25 percent of the total energy used in the state be derived from renewable energy resources by the year 2025; and (4) retail electricity rates for each customer class be at least five percent below the national average. History:  1974 c 307 s 1; 1980 c 579 s 4; 1981 c 356 s 248; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1; 2007 c 136 art 1 s 2; 2013 c 85 art 12 s 3; 2017 c 94 art 10 s 21
MN Stat § 216C.053 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.053 — Renewable Energy Development.

216C.053 RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT. The commissioner of commerce must engage in activities to encourage deployment of cost-effective renewable energy developments within the state. The commissioner shall compile and maintain information concerning existing and potential renewable energy developments and resources in the state. The commissioner shall provide, as appropriate, this information in proceedings for the determination of need for large energy facilities and for the review of a utility's integrated resource plan. To the extent practicable, and in addition to any other obligation of an electric utility to furnish information, an electric utility seeking to add generation to its supply portfolio to serve Minnesota consumers shall provide the commissioner with notice of its intention. History:   2005 c 97 art 2 s 5
MN Stat § 216C.054 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.054 — Annual Transmission Adequacy Report To Legislature.

216C.054 ANNUAL TRANSMISSION ADEQUACY REPORT TO LEGISLATURE. The commissioner of commerce, in consultation with the Public Utilities Commission, shall annually by January 15 submit a written report to the chairs and the ranking minority members of the legislative committees with primary jurisdiction over energy policy that contains a narrative describing what electric transmission infrastructure is needed within the state over the next 15 years and what specific progress is being made to meet that need. To the extent possible, the report must contain a description of specific transmission needs and the current status of proposals to address that need. The report must identify any barriers to meeting transmission infrastructure needs and make recommendations, including any legislation, that are necessary to overcome those barriers. The report must be based on the best available information and must describe what assumptions are made as the basis for the report. If the commissioner determines that there are difficulties in accurately assessing future transmission infrastructure needs, the commissioner shall explain those difficulties as part of the report. The commissioner is not required to conduct original research to support the report. The commissioner may utilize information the commissioner, the commission, and the Office of Energy Security possess and utilize in carrying out their existing statutory duties related to the state's transmission infrastructure. The report must be in easily understood, nontechnical terms. History:   2009 c 110 s 28
MN Stat § 216C.055 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.055 — Key Role Of Solar And Biomass Resources In Producing Thermal Energy.

216C.055 KEY ROLE OF SOLAR AND BIOMASS RESOURCES IN PRODUCING THERMAL ENERGY. The biennial legislative proposals required to be submitted by the commissioners of commerce and the Pollution Control Agency under section 216H.07, subdivision 3, must include proposals regarding the use of solar energy and the combustion of grasses, agricultural wastes, trees, and other vegetation to produce thermal energy for heating commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and for industrial processes if the commissioners determine that such policies are appropriate to achieve the state's greenhouse gas emissions-reduction goals. No legal claim against any person is allowed under this section. This section does not apply to the combustion of municipal solid waste or refuse-derived fuel to produce thermal energy. For purposes of this section, removal of woody biomass from publicly owned forests must be consistent with the principles of sustainable forest management. History:  2009 c 110 s 29; 2012 c 272 s 79
MN Stat § 216C.07 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.07 — Conflict Of Interest.

216C.07 CONFLICT OF INTEREST. No person shall be eligible to continue in office as commissioner unless that person has within six months after being appointed completed divestiture of any interest except fully vested pension rights in any utility, coal, or petroleum supplier, or manufacturer of any major component of a large energy facility doing business within or outside this state. No person who is an employee of the department shall participate in any manner in any decision or action of the commissioner where that person has a direct or indirect financial interest. History:  1974 c 307 s 5; 1981 c 356 s 125,248; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.08 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.08 — Jurisdiction.

216C.08 JURISDICTION. The commissioner has sole authority and responsibility for the administration of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30. Other laws notwithstanding, the authority granted the commissioner shall supersede the authority given any other agency whenever overlapping, duplication, or additional administrative or legal procedures might occur in the administration of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30. The commissioner shall consult with other state departments or agencies in matters related to energy and shall contract with them to provide appropriate services to effectuate the purposes of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30. Any other department, agency, or official of this state or political subdivision thereof which would in any way affect the administration or enforcement of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30 shall cooperate and coordinate all activities with the commissioner to assure orderly and efficient administration and enforcement of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30. The commissioner shall designate a liaison officer whose duty shall be to insure the maximum possible consistency in procedures and to eliminate duplication between the commissioner and the other agencies that may be involved in energy. History:  1974 c 307 s 6; 1980 c 509 s 29; 1981 c 356 s 126,248; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.10 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.10 — Commissioner Powers.

216C.10 COMMISSIONER POWERS. (a) The commissioner may: (1) adopt rules under chapter 14 as necessary to carry out the purposes of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30; (2) make all contracts under sections 216C.05 to 216C.30 and do all things necessary to cooperate with the United States government, and to qualify for, accept, and disburse any grant intended for the administration of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30; (3) provide on-site technical assistance to units of local government in order to enhance local capabilities for dealing with energy problems; (4) administer for the state, energy programs under federal law, regulations, or guidelines, and coordinate the programs and activities with other state agencies, units of local government, and educational institutions; (5) develop a state energy investment plan with yearly energy conservation and alternative energy development goals, investment targets, and marketing strategies; (6) perform market analysis studies relating to conservation, alternative and renewable energy resources, and energy recovery; (7) assist with the preparation of proposals for innovative conservation, renewable, alternative, or energy recovery projects; (8) manage and disburse funds made available for the purpose of research studies or demonstration projects related to energy conservation or other activities deemed appropriate by the commissioner; (9) intervene in certificate of need proceedings before the Public Utilities Commission; (10) collect fees from recipients of loans, grants, or other financial aid from money received from litigation or settlement of alleged violations of federal petroleum-pricing regulations, which fees must be used to pay the department's costs in administering those financial aids; and (11) collect fees from proposers and operators of conservation and other energy-related programs that are reviewed, evaluated, or approved by the department, other than proposers that are political subdivisions or community or nonprofit organizations, to cover the department's cost in making the reviewal, evaluation, or approval and in developing additional programs for others to operate. (b) Notwithstanding any other law, the commissioner is designated the state agent to apply for, receive, and accept federal or other funds made available to the state for the purposes of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30. History:  1974 c 307 s 8; 1978 c 786 s 1; Ex1979 c 2 s 13; 1981 c 85 s 2; 1981 c 356 s 128,248; 1982 c 424 s 130; 1983 c 289 s 45; 1984 c 604 s 1; 1984 c 640 s 32; 1Sp1985 c 14 art 9 s 75; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1; 1988 c 617 s 2; 1989 c 338 s 5; 1994 c 483 s 1; 1996 c 305 art 2 s 39; 2004 c 206 s 31
MN Stat § 216C.11 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.11 — Energy Conservation Information Center.

216C.11 ENERGY CONSERVATION INFORMATION CENTER. The commissioner shall establish an Energy Information Center in the department's offices in St. Paul. The information center shall maintain a toll-free telephone information service and disseminate printed materials on energy conservation topics, including but not limited to, availability of loans and other public and private financing methods for energy conservation physical improvements, the techniques and materials used to conserve energy in buildings, including retrofitting or upgrading insulation and installing weatherstripping, the projected prices and availability of different sources of energy, and alternative sources of energy. The Energy Information Center shall serve as the official Minnesota Alcohol Fuels Information Center and shall disseminate information, printed, by the toll-free telephone information service, or otherwise on the applicability and technology of alcohol fuels. The information center shall include information on the potential hazards of energy conservation techniques and improvements in the printed materials disseminated. The commissioner shall not be liable for damages arising from the installation or operation of equipment or materials recommended by the information center. The information center shall use the information collected under section 216C.02, subdivision 1, to maintain a central source of information on conservation and other energy-related programs, including both programs required by law or rule and programs developed and carried on voluntarily. History:  1976 c 333 s 4; Ex1979 c 2 s 14; 1980 c 579 s 5; 1981 c 356 s 129,248; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1; 1989 c 338 s 6; 2009 c 110 s 30; 2011 c 97 s 27
MN Stat § 216C.12 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.12 — Energy Conservation Publicity.

216C.12 ENERGY CONSERVATION PUBLICITY. The commissioner in consultation with other affected agencies or departments shall develop informational materials, pamphlets and radio and television messages on energy conservation and housing programs available in Minnesota, renewable energy resources, and energy supply and demand. The printed materials shall include information on available tax credits for residential energy conservation measures, residential retrofitting loan and grant programs, and data on the economics of energy conservation and renewable resource measures. Copies of printed materials shall be distributed to members of the appropriate standing committees of the legislature. History:  1977 c 381 s 22; 1980 c 579 s 6; 1981 c 356 s 130,248; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.13 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.13 — Postsecondary Energy Education.

216C.13 POSTSECONDARY ENERGY EDUCATION. The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of education, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, the Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota, shall assist in the development and implementation of adult and postsecondary energy education programs. History:  Ex1979 c 2 s 15; 1981 c 356 s 131,248; 1982 c 563 s 4; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1; 1995 c 212 art 3 s 59; 1996 c 395 s 18; 1998 c 398 art 5 s 55; 2003 c 130 s 12; 2005 c 107 art 2 s 60
MN Stat § 216C.17 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.17 — Energy Forecasts And Statistics; Report.

216C.17 ENERGY FORECASTS AND STATISTICS; REPORT. Subdivision 1. Energy data program. In order to further the purposes of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30, the commissioner shall develop and maintain an effective program of collection, compilation, and analysis of energy statistics. The statistical program shall be developed to insure a central state repository of energy data and so that the state may coordinate and cooperate with other governmental data collection and record-keeping programs. Subd. 2. Forecasts. Except as provided in subdivision 3, in addition to supplying the current statistical and short-range forecasting information the commissioner requires, each utility, coal supplier, petroleum supplier and large energy facility in the state shall prepare and transmit to the commissioner by July 1 of each year, a report specifying in five-, ten-, and 15-year forecasts the projected demand for energy within their respective service areas and the facilities necessary to meet the demand. The report shall be in a form specified by the commissioner and contain all information deemed relevant by the commissioner. Subd. 3. Duplication. The commissioner shall, to the maximum extent feasible, provide that forecasts required under this section be consistent with material required by other state and federal agencies in order to prevent unnecessary duplication. Electric utilities submitting advance forecasts as part of an integrated resource plan filed pursuant to section 216B.2422 and Public Utilities Commission rules are excluded from the annual reporting requirement in subdivision 2. Subd. 4. Public inspection. Reports issued pursuant to this section, other than individual corporate reports classified as nonpublic data in section 13.68, shall be available for public inspection in the office of the department during normal business hours. Subd. 5. Evaluation. The commissioner shall review and evaluate forecasts of energy demands and resources as they relate to the most current population growth and development estimates, statewide and regional land use, transportation, and economic development programs and forecasts. History:  1974 c 307 s 10; 1975 c 170 s 2; 1981 c 311 s 39; 1981 c 356 s 137,248; 1982 c 545 s 24; 1982 c 563 s 7; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1; 1993 c 327 s 14; 1994 c 644 s 5,6
MN Stat § 216C.18 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.18 — State Energy Policy And Conservation Report.

216C.18 STATE ENERGY POLICY AND CONSERVATION REPORT. Subdivision 1. Report on trends and issues. By July 1 of 1988 and every four years thereafter, the commissioner shall issue a comprehensive report designed to identify major emerging trends and issues in energy supply, consumption, conservation, and costs. The report shall include the following: (1) projections of the level and composition of statewide energy consumption under current government policies and an evaluation of the ability of existing and anticipated facilities to supply the necessary energy for that consumption; (2) projections of how the level and the composition of energy consumption would be affected by new programs or new policies; (3) projections of energy costs to consumers, businesses, and government; (4) identification and discussion of key social, economic, and environmental issues in energy; (5) explanations of the department's current energy programs and studies; and (6) recommendations. Subd. 1a. Rate plan. The energy policy and conservation report shall include a section prepared by the Public Utilities Commission. The commission's section shall be prepared in consultation with the commissioner and shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following: (1) a description and analysis of the commission's rate design policy as it pertains to the goals stated in sections 216B.164, 216B.241, and 216C.05, including a description of all energy conservation improvements ordered by the commission; and (2) recommendations to the governor and the legislature for administrative and legislative actions to accomplish the purposes of sections 216B.164, 216B.241, and 216C.05. Subd. 2. Draft report; public meeting. Prior to the preparation of a final report, the commissioner shall issue a draft report to the Environmental Quality Board and any person, upon request, and shall hold a public meeting. Notice of the public meeting shall be provided to each regional development commission. Subd. 3. Final report, distribution. The commissioner shall distribute the final report to any person upon request. History:  1974 c 307 s 11; 1975 c 271 s 6; Ex1979 c 2 s 19; 1981 c 356 s 138,248; 1982 c 561 s 3; 1982 c 563 s 8; 1983 c 179 s 2; 1983 c 231 s 3; 1983 c 289 s 115 subd 1; 1984 c 654 art 2 s 100; 1987 c 186 s 15; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.20 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.20 — Energy Conservation In Public Building.

216C.20 ENERGY CONSERVATION IN PUBLIC BUILDING. Subdivision 1. Applicability. The rules concerning heat loss, illumination, and climate control standards adopted pursuant to section 326B.106, subdivision 1, shall include standards for all existing buildings heated by oil, coal, gas, or electric units which are owned by the state, the University of Minnesota, any city, any county, or any school district. Compliance with standards adopted pursuant to this section shall not be mandatory for buildings owned by any city, county, or school district, except as otherwise provided by this section. Subd. 2. Consideration of economic feasibility. The illumination standards promulgated pursuant to subdivision 1, are mandatory for all public buildings where economically feasible. For the purposes of this subdivision, "public building" means any building which is open to the public during normal business hours and which exceeds 5,000 square feet in gross floor area. The commissioner shall specify the formula for determining economic feasibility. Subd. 3. Parking ramp. No enclosed structure or portion of an enclosed structure constructed after January 1, 1978, and used primarily as a commercial parking facility for three or more motor vehicles shall be heated. Incidental heating resulting from building exhaust air passing through a parking facility shall not be prohibited, provided that substantially all useful heat has previously been removed from the air. The commissioner of commerce may grant an exemption from this subdivision if the commercial parking is integrated within a facility that has both public and private uses, the benefits of the exemption to taxpayers exceed the costs, and all appropriate energy efficiency measures have been considered. History:  1976 c 333 s 8; 1977 c 381 s 15; 1981 c 356 s 146,147,248; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1; 2000 c 297 s 2; 2007 c 140 art 4 s 61; art 13 s 4; 2016 c 189 art 6 s 9