Informal Review Process
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. If the application is accepted the Commission will also determine which review procedures should be followed to develop the record.
The 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 project. In addition to the comment period, a public hearing is held during which anyone can ask questions or make comments about the proposed project and the environmental review document.
Permitting timeline: 12 Months
The PUC Role: The Commission reviews applications, helps build the record, and the Commissioners will make the final decision about issuing a certificate of need.
Who is involved
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Department of Commerce – Division of Energy Resources
Department of Commerce – Energy Environmental Review and Analysis
To learn more about relevant statutes and rules, go to the Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Relevant Statutes: Minn. Rules 7849/ Minn. Stat. §§ 216B.243, 216B.2421
Need More Help?
Email publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us
Call the Commission @651-296-0406
Contested case process
Permitting process
When a certificate of need (CN) is submitted to the Commission, a public comment period starts. This allows people to check if the application has all the required information and if there’s enough detail to start reviewing it. If the application is accepted, the Commission decides on the review pocedures to follow.
If there are disagreements about a large energy infrastructure project, or if the Commission thinks certain issues need closer examination, a contested case proceeding is used. In these cases, there are formal participants who present their arguments and evidence. After all the evidence is collected, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) oversees a court-like process, including a public hearing.
The ALJ reviews all the evidence and writes a report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations. This report helps the Commission decide if the CN should be granted and if any extra requirements are needed for the project’s impact.
After this, the Commission looks over everything and holds a public agenda meeting to discuss the issues. Commissioners then vote on how they think the issues should be resolved.
Finally, a written order is issued. This order summarizes the main issues, explains the Commission’s decision, and gives the reasons for that decision.
Permitting timeline: 12 Months
The PUC Role : The Commission reviews applications, helps build the record, and the Commissioners will make the final decision about issuing a certificate of need.
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Who Is involved
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Department of Commerce - Department of Energy Resources
Department of Commerce - Energy Environmental Review & Analysis
Office of Administrative Hearings - Administrative Law Judge
To learn more about relevant statutes and rules, go to the Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Relevant Statutes: Minn. Rules 7849/ Minn. Stat. §§ 216B.243, 216B.2421
Need more help?
Email publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us
Call the Commission @651-296-0406
