| 09/00: A report by the Minnesota Department of Commerce recommended changes in the State's power industry but not full electric competition. The report, entitled "Keeping the Lights On: Securing Minnesota's Energy Future" stated that the Department would not recommend implementation of full retail electric competition because of potential shortfalls in available energy. The Department estimates that by 2006 the Midwest could encounter an energy shortfall of 5,000 MW, and in its report proposes a change in the tax structure to promote the building of new power plants. The report also included suggestions for mandated statewide energy planning, increased energy conservation, and competition on the wholesale level. Fourteen public meetings on the proposal were scheduled across the state through the end of October 2000.
01/00: The Minnesota Legislative Electric Energy Task Force's January 2000 report confirmed that there is still no underlying consensus among stakeholders as to whether the state should restructure. However, most stakeholders believed that restructuring in Minnesota is inevitable and that there are many areas of consensus in terms of the broad issues. The report recommended that the task force's term be extended beyond its current expiration date of June 30, 2000. The task force also recommended that the staff draft a restructuring plan or outline restructuring options to assist the legislature in its determination of whether and how Minnesota should restructure.
5/99: The PUC issued an "order initiating development of unbundling program and opening new investigation docket." The purpose of this order is "to investigate issues of unbundling/retail choice/restructuring in the gas and electric utilities industries." The PUC will develop program by January 2001, and present it to the Legislature for consideration. Progress reports will be given to the Legislature on October 1, 1999, March 1, 2000 and September 1, 2000. |
Industry M&A
Power Plants