Purpose

• Provide a grant to Brainerd Public Utilities for energy efficiency projects.

Main Provisions

• Notwithstanding Minnesota Statutes section 116C.779 subdivision 1 paragraph j, an appropriation of 9,900,000 (9900000) dollars in fiscal year 2026 is made from the Renewable Development Account to the commissioner of commerce for a grant to Brainerd Public Utilities for energy efficiency projects.
• The appropriation is available until expended.
• Energy efficiency projects, for the purposes of this section, include:
  • Upgrades to existing turbine generators
  • Replacing existing turbine generators with new units
  • Improvements to existing structures to accommodate new turbine generators

Funding Details and Timing

• Source: Renewable Development Account (Minnesota Statutes section 116C.779, subdivision 1)
• Recipient/Administrator: Brainerd Public Utilities receives the grant; the commissioner of commerce administers it
• Fiscal year: 2026
• Availability: The funds remain available until expended

Legal/Policy Context and Changes

• The section uses a Notwithstanding clause to override current statutory limits or requirements in Minnesota Statutes 116C.779, subdivision 1, paragraph j.
• The bill targets a specific utility (Brainerd Public Utilities) for a dedicated energy efficiency funding grant, rather than broad statewide distribution.

Significance

• Gets dedicated funding to modernize or enhance Brainerd Public Utilities’ energy infrastructure, focusing on turbine generators and related facility improvements to improve energy efficiency.

Relevant Terms - energy efficiency projects - Brainerd Public Utilities - commissioner of commerce - Renewable Development Account - Minnesota Statutes - 116C.779 subdivision 1 paragraph j - 9900000 (9,900,000) - fiscal year 2026 - upgrade turbine generators - replace turbine generators - improvements to structures to accommodate new turbine generators - Notwithstanding - grant - appropriation - available until expended