Small natural gas utilities Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulation exemption eligibility provision

Senate Bill 425 increases the customer threshold for small natural gas utilities to qualify for exemption from Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) regulation, raising it from 650 to 2,500 customers total (including those outside municipal borders). This applies to utilities serving municipalities under a franchise, requiring them to maintain identical rates for all customers regardless of location. The bill also mandates that exempt utilities still follow PUC cold weather disconnection policies and submit rate changes 30 days in advance. Municipalities can later rescind exemptions, returning the utility to full PUC regulation.