Incumbent electric transmission owner rights eliminated.

HF 2553 repeals Minnesota Statutes section 216B.246, which granted existing electric transmission companies (called "incumbent owners") priority rights to build new transmission lines connected to their facilities under federal planning approvals. This affects public utilities, municipal power agencies, and other entities previously defined as "incumbent electric transmission owners" under the repealed law. The bill removes their automatic right to construct new lines without competitive bidding or review. The change eliminates a specific legal provision without adding new requirements or creating new processes.