Informal Review
What You Need to Know
Permitting Timeline: 12 Months
The PUC Role
The Commission reviews applications, determines the review method, helps build the record, holds a public meeting, and the Commissioners will make the final decision about whether to issue a certificate of need.
Relevant Statutes: Minn. Rules 7849/ Minn. Stat. §§ 216B.243, 216B.2421
Who Is Involved
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Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
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Department of Commerce – Division of Energy Resources
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Department of Commerce – Energy Environmental Review and Analysis
Permitting Process:
When a certificate of need (CN) is submitted to the Commission a comment period is opened on whether the application contains the information required under the statutes and rules, and whether there is enough information to begin the CN review process. At the close of the comment period the Commission decides whether to accept or reject the application. If the application is accepted the Commission will also determine which review procedures should be followed develop the record.
The informal review process is used to review CN applications believed to be less complex and less controversial among potential parties and the public. Informal review consists of an initial and reply comment periods on the merits of the application and whether it demonstrates the need for the proposed large energy facility. Any person, party, or organization can provide comments at this stage of the process. In addition to the comment period, a public hearing is held during which anyone can ask questions, express concerns, or make other comments about the application, the proposed project and the environmental review document that examines the potential human and environment impacts and possible mitigation measures for those impacts.
Need More Help?
Email publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us
Call the Commission @651-296-0406
Access eDockets Online Document System
All filings are available via the Commission’s electronic document management system, eDockets. With a very robust search tool, you can easily access documents of interest by a variety of searches.
Dockets of interest
Docket 21-135: In the Matter of a Commission Investigation into the Impact of Severe Weather in February 2021 on Impacted Minnesota Natural Gas Utilities and Customers
Docket 19-368: In the Matter of Xcel Energy’s 2020-2034 Upper Midwest Integrated Resource Plan
1. Submit a comment online by using our online open docket Comment Form.
2. Complete and submit a Written Form. Be sure to reference the docket number associated with the case.
3. Mail comments to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place East, Suite #350, Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101.
4. Email comments on any docket to consumer.puc@state.mn.us. Comments relating to Energy Facilities, may be directed to publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us.
5. Fax comments to 651-297-7073.
6. EFile comments directly by creating your own account in eDockets . You must register and create an account in order to submit comments directly to the docket.
Members of the public are encouraged to provide comments on any case before the MN PUC at any time and are also welcome to send comments to, or to contact, the MN PUC about regulatory matter or subject of interest related to the MN PUC’s work.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission welcomes and encourages public participation. If you have questions about,or need help with the public comment process, contact us at 651-296, 0406 or 1-800-657-3782.