County C-BED bill passed

Cities and schools can already invest in Community-Based Energy Development projects, and counties could get in on the action.

HF3585, sponsored by Rep. Lyle Koenen (DFL-Clara City), would allow counties to enter into long-term power purchase agreements for electricity generated by C-BED projects and also own and operate C-BED projects of their own. The bill was passed 95-35 by the House April 30 and now goes to the Senate, where Sen. Gary Kubly (DFL-Granite Falls) is the sponsor.

C-BED projects consist primarily of wind turbines. Koenen said the bill’s language is the product of negotiations between rural and metro-area counties and the state’s major power companies.

Several members voiced concern that the bill would put county governments in competition with private investors. Rep. Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) said the bill “removes the small investor from the equation” because counties have access to a large pool of taxpayer money with which private investors can’t compete.

“The concern is, where are we going to draw the line on having government get involved in private investment?” he said.

Koenen responded that the bill is meant to encourage more private investment by allowing counties to lend a helping hand in C-BED projects that otherwise wouldn’t have enough financial backing to go forward.