|
NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2024 |
|
Recurring annual dockets
Every year, the Department of Commerce and Public Utilities Commission open 26 dockets the first week of January for recurring filings. Beginning in 2024, we are adding more recurring annual dockets to this early assignment approach to make it easier for the public, utilities, and agency staff to track recurring reports and filings over time. Check out the annual docket numbers and associated topics on our website.
Commission calendar and upcoming events
The information below is subject to change. Current information available online at PUC calendar.
|
DATE
|
TIME
|
DETAILS
|
|
Jan 1
|
Closed
|
Holiday – office closed
|
|
Jan 3
|
10 AM
|
Special planning meeting – Grid North Partners Congestion Relief Projects, Permitting Reform Stakeholder Group Overview, Tribal Legislative Initiative
|
|
Jan 4
|
9:30 AM
|
Agenda meeting: Otter Tail Power’s 2023-2037 Integrated Resource Plan
|
|
Jan 10
|
9:30 AM
|
Agenda meeting (Wed.): Otter Tail Power’s 2023-2037 Integrated Resource Plan
|
|
Jan 15
|
Closed
|
Holiday – office closed
|
|
Jan 18
|
10 AM
|
Agenda meeting: Fuel Clause reform; Energy Cents Coalition and Just Solar Coalition intervenor compensation requests; Xcel Low Income Discount Program
|
|
Jan 25
|
10 AM
|
Agenda meeting: Otter Tail Power's Solar Energy Standard Compliance Plan; Xcel Energy’s 2024 Value of Solar Rate
|
|
Jan 25
|
11 AM
6 PM
|
Public meeting: Environmental scoping and public information meeting for Xcel Energy's Minnesota Energy Connection Project, a new approximately 171- to 174-mile 345-kilovolt double-circuit transmission line between Sherburne and Lyon counties.
Olivia: 10 AM doors open, 11 AM meeting begins
Redwood Falls: 5 PM doors open, 6 PM meeting begins
|
|
Jan 30
|
6 PM
|
Public meeting: Environmental scoping and public information meeting for Xcel Energy's Minnesota Energy Connection Project, a new approximately 171- to 174-mile 345-kilovolt double-circuit transmission line between Sherburne and Lyon counties.
Litchfield: 5 PM doors open, 6 PM meeting begins
|
|
Jan 31
|
11 AM
6 PM
|
Public meeting: Environmental scoping and public information meeting for Xcel Energy's Minnesota Energy Connection Project, a new approximately 171- to 174-mile 345-kilovolt double-circuit transmission line between Sherburne and Lyon counties.
Monticello: 10 AM doors open, 11 AM meeting begins
Kimball: 5 PM doors open, 6 PM meeting begins
|
Noteworthy decisions
Filings can be accessed using the docket number at: MN PUC eFiling Search
December 7
-
The Commission began review of Minnesota Power’s electric rate increase and Xcel Energy’s gas rate increase. The Commission also established interim rates for Minnesota Power and Xcel gas customers. The annualized $63.8 million interim rate increase for Minnesota Power customers is approximately an 8.6% increase and, for Xcel Gas, the annualized $51.2 million interim rate increase is approximately 8.5%. Interim rates will start on January 1, 2024, and are in effect until the final rates are established by the Commission. If the final rates are lower than the interim rates, customers will receive refunds. (Docket 23-155, 23-413) News release
-
The Commission adopted various changes to the 2024-2026 Demand Side Management Financial Incentive Mechanism for electric and gas investor-owned utilities. The incentive, meant to encourage utilities to invest in efficiency efforts that lower sales, applies to utilities’ upcoming triennial plans under the Conservation Improvement Program/Energy Conservation and Optimization statute. (Docket 08-133)
-
The Commission approved Xcel Energy’s proposed base cost of gas as filed, which is then used in its general rate case proceeding. Xcel’s base cost of gas includes the cost of the gas (commodity cost) as well as associated costs for transportation (demand costs). Together, the Company’s proposed demand gas costs ($79,684,016) and commodity cost of gas ($270,750,197) equal approximately $350,434,213. (Docket 23-412)
December 14
-
The Commission began review of CenterPoint Energy’s gas rate increase request and established interim rates for CenterPoint Energy customers. The annualized $68.7 million interim rate increase for CenterPoint customers is approximately a 5.3% increase. Interim rates will start on January 1, 2024, and are in effect until the final rates are established by the Commission. If the final rates are lower than the interim rates, customers will receive refunds. Gas commodity costs are forecasted to be lower than the previous two years, those lower costs will help lessen interim increase impacts. (Docket 23-173) News release
-
The Commission dismissed the complaint from the Minnesota Solar Advocates against Xcel regarding the current Technical Planning Standard (TPS) for distributed energy resource interconnections and required Xcel to host informational stakeholder meetings with relevant and interested parties regarding the TPS and options around size and granularity of the limit. (Docket 23-424)
December 21
-
The Commission approved Xcel’s plan to implement final rates effective January 1, 2024, and approved a revised interim rate refund plan. Xcel will begin issuing refunds in February. (Docket 21-630)
-
The Commission accepted all five gas utility’s service quality reports for 2022. The Commission also ordered the gas utilities to provide their service quality data in a machine-readable format going forward, and to work with the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Office (CAO) to ensure that the gas utilities are accurately reporting the number of complaints they receive from CAO each year. (Docket 23-77)
-
The Commission adopted the Natural Gas Working Group’s (NGWG) recommendations and granted authority to the Executive Secretary to file the comprehensive list of gas service quality reporting requirements for all gas utilities for future gas service quality reports. The NGWG was established by the Commission and was charged with the continued exploration of comparative performance metrics in gas service quality reports. The working group consisted of the Department of Commerce, CenterPoint Energy, Commission staff, Great Plains Natural Gas Co., Greater Minnesota Gas, Inc., Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation, the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety, and Xcel Energy. (Docket 22-548)
-
The Commission accepted Xcel Energy’s route permit application for its proposed Minnesota Energy Connection (MNEC) Project as substantially complete. The MNEC Project is a new proposed approximately 171- to 174-mile 345-kilovolt double-circuit transmission line between Sherburne and Lyon counties. The next steps in the review process will include public information and environmental impact statement scoping meetings in select areas along the proposed routes and an accompanying written comment period. (Docket 22-132)
Public meetings and hearings
MISO quarterly update - Minnesota Public Utilities Commission held a meeting with MISO and Minnesota electric utilities to discuss Winter reliability on December 8. According to MISO and Minnesota utilities, Minnesota electric utilities will serve Minnesotans reliably over the coming winter months.
Southwest Power Pool Presentation on Western Expansion and Seams Issues - SPP presented its western expansion status to Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on December 8. According to SPP, the expansion can bring $100M to $610M annual value to SPP members. The committed members will officially join SPP on April 1, 2026.
Brookings-Hampton HVTL 2nd Circuit project – On December 11-12, the Department of Commerce and PUC held public meetings for the Brookings-Hampton HVTL 2nd Circuit project. This project entails adding a second circuit on the eastern and western sections of the line, new structures at the Chub Lake Substation and approximately eight low-profile structures at the Airlake Airport in Lakeville. Public hearings anticipated Spring 2024.
Big Stone South— Alexandria—Big Oaks Transmission Project– On December 12-14, the Department of Commerce and PUC held six public information and environmental assessment scoping meetings on the applications of Xcel Energy, Great River Energy, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company, and Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency for a certificate of need for the proposed Big Stone South—Alexandria—Big Oaks 345 kV Transmission Project and a route permit for the Alexandria to Big Oaks 345 kV Transmission Project. The meetings provided information about the proposed project and the state’s high-voltage transmission line certificate of need and route permitting processes and provided opportunity give public comment. Public comment is open through January 8, 2024.
Dodge County Wind – On December 19-20, the Office of Administrative Hearings, Department of Commerce, and PUC held three public hearings for the Dodge County Wind Project on the application for a Certificate of Need, Site Permit, and Route Permit for the proposed 252 megawatts Dodge County Wind Farm in Dodge and Steele counties and approximately 27 miles of 161 kV transmission line in Dodge and Mower counties. Public Comment is open through January 10, 2024.
|
|
Notable new dockets or filings
You can search for a docket as well as subscribe to receive email notifications when new documents are added to a docket. Learn more on our eDockets webpage.
|
DOCKET
|
DOCKET OR FILING SUMMARY
|
|
23-518
|
Xcel Energy filed their NGIA plan which requests approval of a 5-year plan for 12 pilots (at least 1 in each technology eligible under NGIA) and 9 R&D projects with estimated total costs of $58 million (estimating 1.7% increase or $1.39/month for avg. residential customer) and a request for a rider effective Jan 1, 2025. The Company estimates 54,000 metric tons of lifecycle CO2 equivalent avoided annually in 2029 (when all pilots are in operation) and utilizing $18.6 million in IRA tax credits ($811,000 to customers directly). Xcel proposes projects in environmental justice areas, including a Prairie Island Indian Community weatherization and efficiency program, Bois Forte forest management, urban tree planting, and an electrolyzer at the Sherco site using renewables.
|
|
23-512
|
Otter Tail Power is proposing to add a new, voluntary My Renewable Energy Credits (My RECs) Rider to allow commercial customers (>20kW measured demand) to offset carbon associated with their energy use with RECs. The per kWh charge is based on the currently approved rate for RECs in the small power producer/net metering tariff plus administrative costs.
|
|
21-33
|
Minnesota Power is extending the RFP deadline for 300 MW of solar by 12 days (Jan 5 to Jan 17). MP also filed its details for the RFP for up to 400 MW of wind.
|
|
19-766
|
Department requests Minnesota Power update the cost/benefit analysis for the Reconnect Pilot, and if net cost savings at 20 years Department will support the Company’s 2-year extension in the reconnect pilot (remote reconnection without a fee if specific requirements are met).
|
|
03-802, 23-335
|
Xcel filed a response to PUC IR re: impact of exemption of energy assistance eligible customers from CSG costs in the FCA. Xcel states 65,161 residential customers would qualify for exclusion and the exempted amount is approximately $4.4 million for the 2024 net CSG cost rate (exempt customer would get credits of approximately $67/year). The average residential ratepayer impact resulting from the reallocation of those costs is approximately $1.17/year.
|
|
23-519
|
Initial filing of an appeal of a CAO Complaint against MERC for billing practices and service disconnection during Cold Weather Rule.
|
|
23-458
|
Department filed a notice of comment period (closes Mar. 8) noting a decision by Mar. 31 on Xcel DER System Upgrade Program Plan related to legislation offering $10.25 million for Xcel grid upgrades to support more up to 40 kW DER.
|
|
21-138, 21-135
|
CenterPoint Energy filed a letter noting a severe weather sales tax refund of $1,320,914.76 including estimated interest in a one-time bill credit with a bill message explaining the credit within 60 days of PUC approval. Customers who have left CPE system will get check if over $2; money below will be refunded to MNDOR.
|
|
23-170
|
GRE Cedar Lake Reroute - EERA issued the Environmental Assessment, Environmental Assessment Scoping Decision, Draft Route Permit, detailed maps, and figures.
|
|
19-368, 22-263
|
Xcel filed the annual report on remediation and decommissioning for the Sherco Plant. The Company intends to convert Unit 2 and Unit 1 generators to synchronous condensers (operational in 4Q 2025 and 4Q 2027 respectively); still evaluating whether to convert Unit 3 and future uses for other structures and property. Xcel is estimating $168.4 million (2019$) in demolition and decommissioning costs. Xcel also filed 4Q 2023 Sherco Stakeholder Outreach Meeting presentation (Dec. 8) which includes Form Energy long duration energy storage project, Heartland Hydrogen Hub, NGIA Sherco Hydrogen Production Project, and an Economic Development Update.
|
|
19-368, 22-264
|
Xcel filed the annual report on remediation and decommissioning for the King Plant. The Company is evaluating future uses of the structure and property; including using the existing generator as a synchronous condenser and is currently estimating demolition and decommissioning costs at $65.8 million (2019).
|
|
19-368, 22-266
|
Xcel filed an annual report on the Equity Stakeholder Advisory Group noting 3 work streams: 1) reducing energy burden; 2) workforce diversification; 3) equitable access to renewable energy and distributed generation. The Company anticipates establishing the environmental justice accountability board in 2024. The Company intends to propose a pilot program in 1Q 2024 to the Commission that provides an automatic bill discount to all households in qualifying CBGs, chosen based on an agreed energy burden threshold.
|
|
20-711, 18-643
|
Xcel filed a quarterly report on the Commercial EV Pilots – Fleet EV Service, Public Charging, and Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) EV Service Pilots.
|
|
21-694
|
Xcel filed the annual report on the Resilient Minneapolis Project noting plans to file a revised RMP proposal by Mar. 19, 2024, and discussing various funding awards. The RFP selected a winning contractor but did not sign a contract due to revised project, and Xcel is evaluating if they will issue a new RFP.
|
|
23-26
|
Xcel filed Licensee Event Reports for Prairie Island Outage noting likely cause was directional boring for cable replacement disturbed DC control power cabling from the plant to the substation control house. Xcel also filed a Licensee Event Report for Monticello for major occurrences between October 7 and November 20. Xcel filed several responses to Subsequent License Renewal Application info request for Monticello and a License Amendment Request for Prairie Island; including an SLRA IR response for Monticello re: well location, tritium monitoring, water levels, etc. and a response on the LAR for Prairie Island related to Reactor Coolant System Pressure and Temperature Limits and technical specification updates specifically for cold overpressure mitigating system setpoints.
|
|
23-495
|
Dakota Electric filed a petition to implement a pilot residential and small general service behind-the-meter (BTM) batter storage program and associated rate tariff. The pilot would have a 4-hr full control and 2.4 hour limited control option (lower discount) and connected to DEA’s DSM program. DEA provides a table comparing Energy Storage Programs (pdf p. 15).
|
|
21-335
|
Minnesota Power submitted the Interim Rate Refund Report noting refunds of $37.5 million in interim rates and an additional $2.7 million in interest (total: $40.2 million). Breakdown by customer class in filing.
|
|
13-86713-86713-867
|
Numerous public comments from Xcel customers who subscribe to Community Solar Gardens receiving the Applicable Retail Rate (ARR) bill credit opposed to a proposal to transition to the 2017 ValNumerous public comments from Xcel customers who subscribe to Community Solar Gardens receiving the Applicable Retail Rate (ARR) bill credit opposed to a proposal to transition to the 2017 Value of Solar bill credit.
|
|
23-489
|
MERC filed a proposal for a Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Interconnection tariff for interconnection service and authorization to recover costs to purchase the natural gas commodity through the PGA.
|
|
04-1956, 10-854, 23-476
|
Xcel filed the annual report for its 2022-2023 Electric Low Income Energy Discount Program which has four components: 1) Discount Program for income-qualified customers 62+ or with a disability ($15/mo. Minn. Stat. 216B.16; Subd. 14); 2) PowerOn; 3) Medical Affordability Program; and 4) Low Income Low Usage (LILU) for income qualified using an avg of 300 kWh or less per month. Report includes a history of the programs and associated surcharges. Discount Program has 30,240 eligible households –lowest enrollment in past 5 years. PowerON participation has increased by ~4,000 (20%) since 2021 due to auto-enrollment and additional customer outreach.
|
|
23-496
|
Otter Tail Power filed petition for annual update of the Renewable Resource Cost Recovery rate requesting July 1, 2024, effective date to recover costs of Hoot Lake Solar, Ashtabula III Wind Facility, the difference in PTC in base rates vs. Actual PTC generated for Merricourt Wind Energy Center, and the wind facility upgrades at Langdon, Ashtabula I, Luverne, and Ashtabula III. The projected revenue requirement is $8m and would result in a proposed rate decrease over the past year.
|
|
23-524
|
Xcel filed a proposed residential time of use rate for all residential customers in MN. Xcel requests approval of a 3-period, seasonal Residential TOU rate design; a 3-period fuel adjustment factor; Residential Space Heating rates; and proposed tariff changes. The petition also includes lessons learned on the TOU pilot.
|
|
23-506
|
Otter Tail Power filed a request for approval of the Notice Plan for the Minnesota portion of a 115 kV high voltage transmission line project in Minnesota and South Dakota. The Minnesota portion will include approximately four miles of new 115-kV transmission line, a new breaker station, and associated facilities located in Lac Qui Parle County. A Certificate of Need and a Route Permit will be required.
|
 |
|
Get involved in the PUC process
The Commission encourages Minnesotans to get involved in our processes, stay informed on utility-related issues, and provide input on topics of interest. Visit our website to see what is currently open for public comment. Also, check out the series of short videos that explains who we are, how we work and how to get involved.
|
|
|
|
|
|
