Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC)
In Minnesota, the Public Utilities Commission (the Commission) oversees permits for wind energy projects that are 5 megawatts (MW) or larger. If someone wants to develop a wind project, they need to get a site permit from the Commission.
For wind projects up to 25 MW, a county can issue the permit if it tells the Commission it wants to take on this role. A county can also set stricter rules for wind projects. The Commission will follow these county rules for projects in that county, unless there’s a good cause not to.
There are three permitting types of wind project approvals.
Permitting timeline: Within 180 days after acceptance of a complete application. The commission may extend this deadline for cause.
There are three processes that may impact a LWECS project: site permit, permit amendment process, and the permit transfer process.
The PUC Role: The Commission reviews and helps build the record, and the Commissioners will make the final decision about what appropriate action to take.
No specific form. Contact the MN Department of Commerce for information regarding what is to be required to be included in the application. Application requirements are described in Minn. Rules 7854
The reasonable costs of processing the permit application. 25% of the estimated costs are due before the application will be processed.
30 years, with the possibility of renewal.
Energy Facilities Permitting
Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Minnesota