The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Moves Forward Implementing the Natural Gas Innovation Act
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For Immediate Release:
May 5, 2022
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Contact:
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Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Tricia DeBleeckere
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Telephone:
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651-201-2254
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Fax:
Web:
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651-297-7073
www.mn.gov/puc
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St. Paul, Minnesota — On Tuesday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) implemented the first phase of Natural Gas Innovation Act (NGIA). The NGIA established methods to allow natural gas utilities to meet Minnesota’s greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and energy goals through innovative resources and plans. Innovative resources may include biogas, renewable natural gas, power-to-hydrogen, power-to-ammonia, carbon capture, strategic electrification, district energy and energy efficiency.
As part of its decision, the Commission approved frameworks that will be used to both analyze the lifecycle GHG intensity and allow for cost-benefit accounting to compare innovative resources and measure the cost-effectiveness of natural gas utilities’ innovation plans.
“These frameworks, created by robust and consensus driven stakeholder input, will provide guardrails in our review of natural gas utilities’ proposed plans,” said Commissioner Joseph Sullivan. “These strong analytical tools will aid Minnesota’s progress toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are appreciative of the work of all stakeholders in their work developing comprehensive proposals.”
The Commission will now focus on the second phase of the NGIA, evaluating regulatory and policy changes needed to meet or exceed the state’s GHG emission reduction goals. Public input will be sought as the process moves forward.
The NGIA (Minn. Stat. 216B.2427 and 216B.2428) was passed and then signed into law as part of the 2021 First Special Session. The Commission was required to approve methods by June 1, 2022 for evaluating the lifecycle GHG emissions and cost-benefit tests of proposed innovate resources and plans.
About
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy; electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc
Please contact Tricia DeBleeckere, 651-201-2254 or tricia.debleeckere@state.mn.us if you have any questions.
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