Minnesota

Summary: Adopted in 2004, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s order establishing interconnection standards delineates uniform procedures applicable to all investor-owned utilities. The standard applies to systems up to 10MW in size, and includes CHP systems. Several aspects of the review process are different depending on the size of system.

Links:

• The order establishing interconnection standards can be viewed here: Order
• For more information and details on eligible technologies, visit the EPA’s Combined Heat and Power Partnership website
• For more information on the history of the state’s interconnection and net metering regulations, visit the DSIRE database

Contact:

Stuart Mitchell
121 7th Place E., Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55101
stuart.mitchell@state.mn.us
(651) 201-2242
(651) 297-7073

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Summary: Excel Energy charges for standby service by entering into contracts with customers for a specified amount of demand, with a related reservation fee. Actual energy usage is billed at a customer’s regular rate. Minnesota Power has two policies for charging standby service. For customers with generation under 60 kW, standby service is provided at the customer’s regular rate. For customers with generation over 60 kW, a high reservation fee and high demand and energy charges or assessed, but with no ratchet. Both of these companies’ standby service is considered neutral toward CHP.

Links:

• Excel Energy’s rates are available here: Rates
• Minnesota Power’s rates are available through several links from this page: Site Map
• More information about best practices in utility rate design can be found on the EPA’s CHP Partnership website.

Last Updated 08/27/2009

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