Notable Commission Decisions or Actions
Filings can be accessed using the docket number at: MN PUC eFiling Search
February 8, 2022
Xcel Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan (Docket 19-368): The Commission approved Xcel Energy’s (Xcel) 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which guides investments between 2020-2034. The IRP approved by the Commission keeps costs low for residential customers and businesses, reduces carbon emissions, and puts Minnesota workers and communities first.
The IRP included provisions for Xcel to acquire or build up to 4,650 megawatts (MW) of renewable resources (solar, wind, and storage) by 2032, retire Sherco and King coal generating units totaling 1,362 MW, and supported a 10-year extension of the Monticello Nuclear Plant. By 2032, 81 percent of Xcel’s electricity will be generated from carbon-free resources. Xcel’s plan was the lowest cost and will lower carbon emissions by 86 percent, relative to 2005 levels, while maintaining grid reliability. The Commission also required Xcel to develop remediation plans with host communities who will experience plant closures and to work with state agencies and labor organizations to develop plans to support affected workers.
An IRP is a forward-looking document that requires utilities to give advance notice of how they plan to generate electricity over the coming 15 years. A resource plan provides a way for interested people and organizations to review these plans and offer input. For more information about the IRP process, visit MN PUC Activities: Integrated Resource Plans.
February 17, 2022 Decisions
Community Wind (Zephyr) Repowering Project (Docket 11-863): The Commission approved the application of Zephyr Wind, LLC to repower the 30 MW Community South Wind Farm in Nobles County. The repowering will upgrade the project’s 15 turbines with new blades, nacelles and raise the turbine towers by 23 feet. The repowering of the project will increase reliability, efficiency and extend its service life. The revised permit will extend the life of the project to up to 30 years.
Norther States Power Company, dba Xcel Energy, Petition for Approval of its Community Solar Garden (CSG) Program- Value of Solar Rate (Docket 13-867): The Commission approved an annual update to Xcel’s a Value of Solar (VOS) rate for 2022 for use with Community Solar Gardens (CSG) of $0.1178/kWh (25 year levelized value). The Commission also approved a process to continue methods to improve locational avoided distribution costs across several dockets, including the Department of Commerce’s stakeholder group meetings.
In 2013, the Legislature required the Commission approve a Department of Commerce established methodology to compensate customers who provide solar electricity generation to their utility “for the value to the utility, its customers, and society”. The VOS calculation methodology was approved in 2014, and since 2017, the VOS has been used as the basis for the bill credit in Xcel Energy’s Community Solar Garden program. Xcel Energy is required to update its VOS rate annually.
February 24, 2022 Decisions
Northern Wind Large Wind Energy Conversion System (Docket 20-860): The Commission issued a site permit to Northern Wind Energy Redevelopment, LLC for the construction of the 122-megawatt wind project in Murray County. The Northern Wind project includes the decommissioning and replacement of 65 turbines associated with the existing Chanarambie and Viking Wind projects with 45 larger and more efficient turbines. The project is expected to bring approximately 300 jobs during construction, 10 permanent full-time positions, and an estimated $600,000 in annual tax revenues for Murray County.
Louis Solar Certificate of Need and Site Permit (Dockets 20-646, 20-647): The Commission issued a site permit for the Louise Solar Project, LLC for a 50 MW solar facility in Mower County. The projects is expected to bring approximately 300-400 jobs during construction and up to 21 indirect and 2 direct jobs during operation. The project also includes 700 to 1,000-foot above-ground 161-kV transmission line to interconnect the Project to the grid. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022. The expected lifetime of the project is up to 30 years.
Xcel Energy Renewable Energy Standard (RES) Rider (Docket 20-815): The Commission approved Xcel Energy’s 2021 RES Rider Revenue Requirements. The Commission ultimately took no action in this docket related to the Company’s Renewable Energy Credit (REC) management strategy including its Certified Renewable Percentage (CRP) program. The Commission encouraged the Company to work with the Department, including potentially to do some cost benefit analysis of the CRP program, and provide further justification for its CRP program, if and when it is used in future calendar years
The renewable energy standard rider allows utilities to recovery on a timely basis the costs of certain renewable projects, provided those facilities were previously approved by the Commission (under other statutory requirements).
Minnesota Power Transmission Cost Recovery Rider (20-900): The Commission approved Minnesota Power’s 2021 Transmission Cost Recovery Rider (TCRR), incorporating costs from the Great Northern Transmission Line and Dog Lake Project into its rates. The Commission found that the return on investment specified in Minnesota Power’s last rate case continues to be appropriate, until MP’s current rate case is complete.
The TCRR allows utilities to recovery on a timely basis the costs (net of revenues) of certain transmission facilities, transmission lines constructed in other states which have been determined to benefit the utility or integrated transmission system, and allows a return on construction work-in-progress, if recovery is not allowed for elsewhere.
|
