Minnesota Regulators Ready For Big Decision on Natural Gas Connections

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection)

(By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) – Minnesota regulators are weighing feedback on a potential policy change tied to natural gas infrastructure.

The state could phase out gas line extension allowances, where current ratepayers cover the cost of connecting new developments to these systems.

The Public Utilities Commission just wrapped up a public comment period as it considers the future of this decades-old policy.

When new housing or a commercial building goes up, service pipelines are needed. New properties often aren’t charged for those connections, with the cost spread out among existing customers.

Clean Heat Minnesota’s Coalition Manager Natalie Cook said with non-gas options like heat pumps now part of the mix, the allowances are outdated.