State utilities group proposes renewable electric energy bill (20% RPS by 2020, MN)

[jpak]

http://www.wctrib.com/articles/index.cfm?id=15432§ion=News&forumcomm_check_return&freebie_check&CFID=16360152&CFTOKEN=21272788&jsessionid=8830eef4457c176b4b1b

WILLMAR — The organization representing municipal utilities in Willmar and 125 other Minnesota cities is proposing legislation requiring 20 percent of electricity be generated by renewable energy sources by the year 2020.

The Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association says its proposed renewable energy standard legislation would require investor-owned utilities, generation and transmission cooperatives and municipal power agencies to produce 10 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2015 and 20 percent by 2020.

“We have been participating in the (Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association) effort to draft this plan for renewable energy,’’ said Mike Nitchals, Willmar Utilities general manager.

“Much like many others around the state, we are hearing the same messages that legislators are hearing, that our customers — the citizens — want to see renewable energy development happen in Minnesota,’’ said Nitchals. “And we are supportive of the effort and the direction.’’

<more>