Public utilities prohibited from recovering infrastructure costs incurred to extend service to new natural gas customers from existing natural gas customers.

This bill prohibits public utilities in Minnesota from charging existing natural gas customers for the costs of building new infrastructure to serve customers who currently do not have access to natural gas service. The law prevents utilities from recovering these extension expenses through rate increases or special fees paid by current customers, instead requiring utilities to find other funding sources for such projects. The measure repeals an existing statute that previously allowed utilities to petition the state commission for approval to recover up to 33 percent of extension costs from all customers. This change directly affects natural gas utility companies and their existing residential, commercial, and industrial customers who would no longer bear the financial burden of expanding service to new areas. The policy takes effect immediately upon final enactment and applies to any construction projects that begin on or after that date.