Additional information in a public utility's resource plan required, public utilities directed to file a virtual power plant tariff and program with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, cost recovery provided, and reports required.

HF 2986 requires Minnesota's public utilities to include specific details about virtual power plant programs in their resource plans and file formal tariffs with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission by 2026. The bill directs utilities to create programs that aggregate customer-owned devices like solar panels, home batteries, electric vehicles, and smart thermostats to reduce peak electricity demand. These programs must demonstrate how they lower customer bills, cut emissions, avoid new infrastructure, and reduce reliance on fossil-fuel peaker plants during grid stress events. The legislation also allows utilities to recover costs associated with implementing these programs through customer rates. This directly affects all Minnesota public utilities and their ratepayers through new reporting requirements and program implementation.