Minnesota regulators accept IDPs for three investor-owned utilities, one coop

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on July 3 accepted four 2023 Integrated Distribution Plans (IDPs) for three of the state’s investor-owned utilities and a member-owned cooperative.

Acceptance of the IDPs by Minnesota regulators — who review the IDPs to ensure the utilities are planning for the safety, security, reliability, and resiliency of the electricity grid — means the commission agrees that each utility’s filing included all reporting requirements.

“Preparing our grid infrastructure and planning processes requires commissions, utilities, and other stakeholders in the industry to reevaluate current distribution planning practices,” said Minnesota Commissioner Joseph Sullivan. “Preparation and investment are critical to building a grid that is more resilient, equitable, and able to accommodate new technology.”

The IDPs were filed last November by rate-regulated Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Co., and the Dakota Electric Association.

The PUC said it had requested that the four utilities increase transparency around reporting, including by creating a streamlined process that develops a comprehensive list of data around reliability, budgeting, load generation, and distributed energy.

Each utility worked through its plan with the commission and highlighted their current efforts to prepare and enhance the electrical grid, as well as what changes they plan to make for their 2025 IDP.

According to the PUC, for example, Xcel’s IDP described investments to enhance the resiliency of the distribution system, including substation transformers, breakers, and associated gear, distribution poles, overhead and underground feeders, overhead and underground taps, pole inspection, and vegetation management.

The Minnesota PUC said it will host a stakeholder process to establish a framework for cost allocation and proactive upgrades for electrification and distributed energy resources, ensuring the grid is ready for technological changes.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Power said in its IDP that it will initiate a non-wires alternative project to improve reliability for rural customers by adding battery storage near Kerrick, Minn.

In its IDP, Otter Tail Power said it is working to encourage electrification of the transportation system by installing direct current fast chargers, implementing time of use rates, and issuing rebates. The company is also planning a flow battery pilot project in Morris, Minn., according to the PUC.

Also, for the first time this year, the Minnesota PUC considered the transportation electrification plans (TEPs) for Minnesota Power and Otter Tail Power along with the utilities’ distribution plans. The commission said it previously heard from Xcel on its TEP in March.

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