reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MN Stat § 216C.25 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.25 — Solar Energy System Standards.

216C.25 SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM STANDARDS. The commissioner of administration in consultation with the commissioner shall adopt rules concerning quality and performance standards which are in reasonable conformance with the Interim Performance Criteria for Solar Heating and Combined Heating/Cooling Systems and Dwellings, National Bureau of Standards, January 1, 1975; and the Interim Performance Criteria for Commercial Solar Heating and Combined Heating/Cooling Systems and Facilities, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, February 28, 1975, to insure that within the existing state of development, solar energy systems as defined in section 216C.06, subdivision 17, which are sold or installed within this state, are effective and represent a high standard of quality of material, workmanship, design, and performance. The commissioner of administration in consultation with the energy commissioner shall amend the rules as new technology and materials become available, or as standards are revised by the federal government. Manufacturers or retailers of solar energy systems shall disclose to each bona fide potential purchaser of a system the extent to which the system meets or exceeds each quality standard. History:  1976 c 333 s 14; 1981 c 356 s 152,248; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.26 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.26 — Energy Research Project; Review.

216C.26 ENERGY RESEARCH PROJECT; REVIEW. The commissioner shall continuously identify, monitor, and evaluate in terms of potential direct benefit to, and possible implementation in Minnesota, research studies and demonstration projects of alternative energy and energy conservation systems and methodologies currently performed in Minnesota and other states and countries including: (1) solar energy systems for heating and cooling; (2) energy systems using wind, agricultural wastes, forestry products, peat, and other nonconventional energy resources; (3) devices and technologies increasing the energy efficiency of energy-consuming appliances, equipment, and systems; (4) hydroelectric power; and (5) other projects the commissioner deems appropriate and of direct benefit to Minnesota and other states of the upper midwest. History:  1976 c 333 s 15; 1981 c 356 s 153,248; 1982 c 563 s 10; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.261 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.261 — Alternative Energy Engineering Activity.

216C.261 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ENGINEERING ACTIVITY. Subdivision 1. Creation, goals. To further the development of indigenous energy resources and energy conservation, the commissioner shall establish an alternative energy engineering activity. The activity shall facilitate the development of specific projects in the public and private sectors and provide a broad range of information, education, and engineering assistance services necessary to accelerate energy conservation and alternative energy development in the state. Subd. 2. Duties. The alternative energy engineering activity shall: (1) provide on-site technical assistance for alternative energy and conservation projects; (2) develop information materials and educational programs to meet the needs of engineers, technicians, developers, and others in the alternative energy field; (3) conduct feasibility studies when the results of the studies would be of benefit to others working in the same area; (4) facilitate development of energy projects through assistance in finding financing, meeting regulatory requirements, gaining public and private support, limited technical consultation, and similar forms of assistance; and (5) work with and use the services of Minnesota design professionals. History:  1984 c 654 art 2 s 102; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.264 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.264 — Coordinating Residential Weatherization Programs.

216C.264 COORDINATING RESIDENTIAL WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS. Subdivision 1. Agency designation. The department is the state agency to apply for, receive, and disburse money made available to the state by federal law for the purpose of weatherizing the residences of low-income persons. The commissioner must coordinate available federal money with state money appropriated for this purpose. Subd. 2. Grants. The commissioner must make grants of federal and state money to community action agencies and other public or private nonprofit agencies for the purpose of weatherizing the residences of low-income persons. Subd. 3. Benefits of weatherization. In the case of any grant made to an owner of a rental dwelling unit for weatherization, the commissioner must require that (1) the benefits of weatherization assistance in connection with the dwelling unit accrue primarily to the low-income family that resides in the unit; (2) the rents on the dwelling unit will not be raised because of any increase in value due solely to the weatherization assistance; and (3) no undue or excessive enhancement will occur to the value of the dwelling unit. Subd. 4.  [Repealed by amendment, 2011 c 97 s 28] Subd. 5. Grant allocation. The commissioner must distribute supplementary state grants in a manner consistent with the goal of producing the maximum number of weatherized units. Supplementary state grants are provided primarily for the payment of additional labor costs for the federal weatherization program, and as an incentive for the increased production of weatherized units. Criteria for the allocation of state grants to local agencies include existing local agency production levels, emergency needs, and the potential for maintaining or increasing acceptable levels of production in the area. An eligible local agency may receive advance funding for 90 days' production, but thereafter must receive grants solely on the basis of program criteria. Subd. 6. Eligibility criteria. To the extent allowed by federal regulations, the commissioner must ensure that the same income eligibility criteria apply to both the weatherization program and the energy assistance program. History:  1998 c 273 s 4; 2005 c 97 art 4 s 6; 2011 c 97 s 28
MN Stat § 216C.266 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.266 — Data Privacy; Energy Programs.

216C.266 DATA PRIVACY; ENERGY PROGRAMS. Subdivision 1. Classification of application data. Data on individuals collected, maintained, or created because an individual applies on behalf of a household for benefits or services provided by the energy assistance and weatherization programs are private data on individuals and must not be disseminated except pursuant to section 13.05, subdivisions 3 and 4, or as provided in this section. Subd. 2. Sharing energy assistance program data. The commissioner may disseminate to the commissioner of human services the name, telephone number, and last four digits of the Social Security number of any individual who applies on behalf of a household for benefits or services provided by the energy assistance program if the household is determined to be eligible for the energy assistance program. Subd. 3. Use of shared data. Data disseminated to the commissioner of human services under subdivision 2 may be disclosed to a person other than the subject of the data only for the purpose of determining a household's eligibility for the telephone assistance program pursuant to section 13.46, subdivision 2, clause (23). Subd. 4. Additional use of energy assistance program data. The commissioner may use the name, telephone number, and last four digits of the Social Security number of any individual who applies on behalf of a household for benefits or services provided by the energy assistance program for the purpose of determining whether the household is eligible for the telephone assistance program if the household is determined to be eligible for the energy assistance program. History:  1998 c 273 s 6; 2005 c 97 art 4 s 6; 2012 c 290 s 70
MN Stat § 216C.29 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.29 — Subpoena Power.

216C.29 SUBPOENA POWER. The commissioner shall have the power, for the purposes of sections 216C.05 to 216C.30, to issue subpoenas for production of books, records, correspondence and other information and to require attendance of witnesses. The subpoenas may be served anywhere in the state by any person authorized to serve processes of courts of record. If a person does not comply with a subpoena, the commissioner may apply to the District Court of Ramsey County and the court shall compel obedience to the subpoena by a proper order. A person failing to obey the order is punishable by the court as for contempt. History:  1974 c 307 s 14; 1981 c 356 s 160,248; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.30 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.30 — Enforcement; Penalties, Remedies.

216C.30 ENFORCEMENT; PENALTIES, REMEDIES. Subdivision 1. Misdemeanor. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter or section 325F.20 or 325F.21, or any rule promulgated thereunder, or knowingly submits false information in any report required by this chapter or section 325F.20 or 325F.21 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense. Subd. 2. Equitable remedies. The provisions of this chapter and sections 325F.20 and 325F.21, or any rules promulgated hereunder may be enforced by injunction, action to compel performance or other appropriate action in the district court of the county wherein the violation takes place. The attorney general shall bring any action under this subdivision upon the request of the commissioner, and the existence of an adequate remedy at law shall not be a defense to an action brought under this subdivision. Subd. 3. Money penalty. When the court finds that any person has violated any provision of this chapter or section 325F.20 or 325F.21, or any rule thereunder, has knowingly submitted false information in any report required by this chapter or section 325F.20 or 325F.21, or has violated any court order issued under this chapter or section 325F.20 or 325F.21, the court may impose a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation. These penalties shall be paid to the general fund in the state treasury. Subd. 4.  [Repealed, 2008 c 277 art 1 s 98] Subd. 5.  [Repealed, 2007 c 136 art 3 s 7] History:  1974 c 307 s 15; Ex1979 c 2 s 33; 1981 c 356 s 161,248; 1982 c 563 s 11-13; 1984 c 595 s 6,7; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1; 1999 c 199 art 2 s 6
MN Stat § 216C.31 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.31 — Energy Audit Programs.

216C.31 ENERGY AUDIT PROGRAMS. The commissioner shall develop state programs of energy audits of residential and commercial buildings including the training and qualifications necessary for the auditing of residential and commercial buildings under the auspices of a program created under section 216B.241. History:  1980 c 579 s 12; 1981 c 356 s 162,248; 1983 c 289 s 47; 1983 c 301 s 127; 1984 c 654 art 2 s 104; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1; 2007 c 136 art 3 s 3
MN Stat § 216C.315 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.315 — Alternative Energy Economic Analysis.

216C.315 ALTERNATIVE ENERGY ECONOMIC ANALYSIS. The commissioner shall carry out the following energy economic analysis duties: (1) provide continued analysis of alternative energy issues for the biennial report, certificates of need, and legislative requests; (2) provide alternative energy information to consumers and business; (3) assist in the maintenance and improvement of alternative energy input-output multipliers and market penetration models; (4) provide analysis of alternative energy data. History:  1983 c 301 s 128; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.32 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.32 — Energy-efficient Building Education.

216C.32 ENERGY-EFFICIENT BUILDING EDUCATION. The commissioner shall develop a program to provide information and training to persons in the state who influence the energy efficiency of new buildings, including contractors, engineers, and architects on techniques and standards for the design and construction of buildings which maximize energy efficiency. The program may include the production of printed materials and the development of training courses. History:  1980 c 579 s 28; 1981 c 356 s 163,248; 1982 c 563 s 14; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.33 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.33 — Minnesota Biomass Center.

216C.33 MINNESOTA BIOMASS CENTER. Subdivision 1. Creation, purpose. The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of agriculture, may organize a Minnesota Biomass Center. The center shall be the focus of biomass energy activities for the state. To the maximum extent possible, the center shall coordinate its activities and the use of its staff and facilities with those of other entities involved in biomass energy projects. Subd. 2. Duties. The center shall: (1) coordinate existing education and training programs for biomass energy production and use within the state and develop new programs where necessary. Educational programs shall cover all types of biomass energy production use, including but not limited to production from grain, biowaste, and cellulosic materials; (2) serve as a central information resource in conjunction with existing agencies and academic institutions in order to provide information to the public on the production and use of biomass energy. The center shall obtain and analyze available information on biomass energy topics and prepare it for distribution to ensure that the public receives the most accurate and up-to-date information available; (3) participate in necessary research projects to assist in technological advancement in areas of biomass energy production, distribution, and use. The center shall also study the environmental and safety aspects of biomass energy use; (4) support and coordinate financing activities for biomass energy production, including providing technical assistance and manuals to individuals and groups seeking private, local, state or federal funding. The center shall be responsible for evaluating projects for any state assistance that may become available; (5) develop consumer information and protection programs for all aspects of biomass energy production and use; (6) investigate marketing and distribution needs within the state; (7) review state and federal laws and regulations affecting biomass energy production and use, and evaluate regulatory incentives in order to provide the legislature with legislative proposals for the encouragement of biomass energy production and use within the state. History:  1980 c 579 s 29; 1981 c 85 s 6; 1981 c 356 s 164,248; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.34 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.34 — Money For School Or Governing Body.

216C.34 MONEY FOR SCHOOL OR GOVERNING BODY. Money to pay part or all of the actual costs of mini-audits, maxi-audits, and energy conservation measures performed by or for schools and governing bodies shall be available from legislative appropriations made for that purpose in accordance with the priorities established in section 216C.35. Money appropriated pursuant to this section is available to school districts and local governmental units that submitted acceptable mini-audits or maxi-audits after April 9, 1976, and before July 1, 1979. History:  Ex1979 c 2 s 34; 1980 c 579 s 13; 1981 c 356 s 248; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1
MN Stat § 216C.35 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.35 — Priorities For Funding.

216C.35 PRIORITIES FOR FUNDING. All applications for funding shall be made to the commissioner. Applications shall be accompanied by a report on the energy-using characteristics of the building and any other information the commissioner may reasonably require. History:  Ex1979 c 2 s 35; 1981 c 356 s 165,248; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1; 1997 c 7 art 1 s 92
MN Stat § 216C.381 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.381 — Community Energy Program.

216C.381 COMMUNITY ENERGY PROGRAM. Subdivision 1. Findings. The legislature finds that community-based energy programs are an effective means of implementing improved energy practices including conservation, greater efficiency in energy use, and the use of alternative resources. Further, community-based energy programs are found to be a public purpose for which public money may be spent. Subd. 2. Community energy councils; creation. Statutory and home rule charter cities, counties, or Indian tribal governments of federally recognized Minnesota-based bands or tribes, individually or through the exercise of joint powers agreements, may create community energy councils. Membership on a council shall include representatives of labor, small business, voluntary organizations, senior citizens, and low- and moderate-income residents, and may include city, county, and Indian tribal government officials, and other interested parties. Subd. 3. Council powers and duties. In order to develop and implement community-based energy programs, a community energy council may: (1) analyze social and economic impacts caused by energy expenditures; (2) plan, coordinate, advertise, and provide energy programs to minimize negative social and economic impacts; (3) seek, accept, and disburse grants and other aids from public or private sources for purposes authorized in this subdivision; and (4) exercise other powers and duties imposed on it by statute, charter, or by ordinance. Subd. 4. Department assistance. The commissioner may provide professional and financial assistance to communities to establish community energy councils, and develop and implement community energy programs, within available resources. History:  1984 c 654 art 2 s 106; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1; 1988 c 617 s 5
MN Stat § 216C.417 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.417 — Program Administration; "made In Minnesota" Solar Energy Production Incentives.

216C.417 PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION; "MADE IN MINNESOTA" SOLAR ENERGY PRODUCTION INCENTIVES. Subdivision 1. General provisions. Payment of a "Made in Minnesota" solar energy production incentive to an owner whose application was approved by the commissioner of commerce under section 216C.415, by May 1, 2017, must be administered under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes 2016, sections 216C.411; 216C.413; 216C.414, subdivisions 1 to 3 and 5; and 216C.415. No incentive payments may be made under this section to an owner whose application was approved by the commissioner after May 1, 2017. Subd. 2. Appropriation. (a) Unspent money remaining in the account established under Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 216C.412, on July 1, 2017, must be transferred to the renewable development account in the special revenue fund established under Minnesota Statutes, section 116C.779, subdivision 1. (b) There is annually appropriated from the renewable development account in the special revenue fund established in Minnesota Statutes, section 116C.779, to the commissioner of commerce money sufficient to make the incentive payments required under Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 216C.415. Any funds appropriated under this paragraph that are unexpended at the end of a fiscal year cancel to the renewable development account. (c) Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 216C.412, subdivision 1, none of this appropriation may be used for administrative costs. Subd. 3. Eligibility window; payment duration. (a) Payments may be made under this subdivision only for solar photovoltaic module installations that meet the requirements of subdivision 1 and that first begin generating electricity between January 1, 2014, and October 31, 2018. (b) The payment eligibility window of the incentive begins and runs consecutively from the date the solar photovoltaic modules first begins generating electricity. (c) An owner of solar photovoltaic modules may receive payments under this section for a particular module for a period of ten years, provided that sufficient funds are available in the account. (d) No payment may be made under this section for electricity generated after October 31, 2028. History:   2017 c 94 art 10 s 22
MN Stat § 216C.42 (2021)
2021 Minnesota Statutes|Chapters 216 - 217 — Utilities|Chapter 216C — Energy Planning And Conservation|Section 216C.42 — Definitions; Energy Improvements For Buildings.

216C.42 DEFINITIONS; ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS FOR BUILDINGS. Subdivision 1. Scope. For the purpose of this section and section 216C.43, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them. Subd. 2. Energy improvement project. "Energy improvement project" means a project to improve energy efficiency in a building or facility, including the design, acquisition, installation, construction, and commissioning of equipment or improvements to a building or facility, and training of building or facility staff necessary to properly operate and maintain the equipment or improvements. Subd. 3. Energy project study. "Energy project study" means a technical and financial study of one or more energy improvement projects, including: (1) an analysis of historical energy consumption and cost data; (2) a description of existing equipment, structural elements, operating characteristics, and other conditions affecting energy use; (3) a description of the proposed energy improvement projects; (4) a detailed budget for the proposed project; (5) calculations sufficient to demonstrate the expected energy savings; and (6) if a geothermal energy improvement, whether the project is calculated to produce savings in terms of nongeothermal energy and costs. Subd. 4. Financing agreement. "Financing agreement" means a tax-exempt lease-purchase agreement entered into by a local government and a financial institution under a standard project financing agreement offered under section 216C.43, subdivision 6. Subd. 5. Local government. "Local government" means a Minnesota county, statutory or home rule charter city, town, school district, park district, or any combination of those units operating under an agreement to exercise powers jointly. Subd. 6. Program. "Program" means the energy improvement financing program for local governments authorized by section 216C.43. Subd. 7. Supplemental cash flow agreement. "Supplemental cash flow agreement" means an agreement by the commissioner to lend funds to a local government up to an amount necessary to ensure that the cumulative payments made by the local government under a financing agreement minus the amount loaned by the commissioner do not exceed the actual energy and operating cost savings attributable to the energy improvement project for the term of the supplemental cash flow agreement. History:   2008 c 356 s 9