St. Paul, Minnesota - On Thursday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) took its first steps to implement the Natural Gas Innovation Act (NGIA). The NGIA establishes a framework to allow natural gas utilities to meet Minnesota’s greenhouse gas reduction and renewable energy goals through innovative resources. Innovative resources may include biogas, renewable natural gas, power-to-hydrogen, power-to-ammonia, carbon capture, strategic electrification, district energy and energy efficiency.

Over the next year, the Commission will evaluate regulatory and policy changes needed to decarbonize natural gas service and will begin to accept plans from natural gas utilities on these efforts. The Commission will seek public comment on the necessary regulatory and policy reforms and any proposed utility plans. 

“As the Commission moves forward implementing this significant legislation, it’s vital that we continue to engage a wide variety of stakeholders – environmental organizations, natural gas utilities, innovative technology companies, labor, and others - to review utilities’ plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Commissioner Valerie Means. “Robust review processes will lead to better investments that work for Minnesota.” 

The NGIA was passed and then signed into law as part of the 2021 First Special Session. By June 1, 2022, the NGIA requires the Commission to establish a methods for evaluating 1) lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and 2) 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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