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** E015/M-20-828; Minnesota Power
E,G999/CI-20-492
In the Matter of Minnesota Power’s Petition for the Approval of the Acquisition of Solar Power to Support Economic Relief and Recovery;
In the Matter of An Inquiry into Utility Investments that May Assist in Minnesota’s Economic Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
1. Should the Commission approve Minnesota Power’s request to execute three affiliated interest agreements between the Company and ALLETE Enterprises, Inc. related to the Laskin, Sylvan, and Duluth Solar? Should the Commission approve the land leases of Minnesota Power property near the Sylvan hydroelectric station and at Laskin Energy Center?
2. Should the Commission find that the solar projects are in the public interest and approve the projects as a reasonable and prudent way for the Company to continue to work towards meeting its obligations under Minn. Stat. § 216B.1691?
3. Should the Commission waive Minnesota Power’s requirement to use competitive bidding for solar acquisition? If not, should the Commission require Minnesota Power to issue a new solar RFP?
4. Should the Commission authorize Minnesota Power to recover the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and land lease costs through Commission-approved methods for solar resources? (PUC: Stalpes)