COMMUNITY ENERGY PROGRAM.

216C.381 COMMUNITY ENERGY PROGRAM. § Subdivision 1.Findings. The legislature finds that community-based energy programs are an effective means of implementing improved energy practices including conservation, greater efficiency in energy use, and the use of alternative resources. Further, community-based energy programs are found to be a public purpose for which public money may be spent. § Subd. 2.Community energy councils; creation. Statutory and home rule charter cities, counties, or Indian tribal governments of federally recognized Minnesota-based bands or tribes, individually or through the exercise of joint powers agreements, may create community energy councils. Membership on a council shall include representatives of labor, small business, voluntary organizations, senior citizens, and low- and moderate-income residents, and may include city, county, and Indian tribal government officials, and other interested parties. § Subd. 3.Council powers and duties. In order to develop and implement community-based energy programs, a community energy council may: (1) analyze social and economic impacts caused by energy expenditures; (2) plan, coordinate, advertise, and provide energy programs to minimize negative social and economic impacts; (3) seek, accept, and disburse grants and other aids from public or private sources for purposes authorized in this subdivision; and (4) exercise other powers and duties imposed on it by statute, charter, or by ordinance. § Subd. 4.Department assistance. The commissioner may provide professional and financial assistance to communities to establish community energy councils, and develop and implement community energy programs, within available resources. History: 1984 c 654 art 2 s 106; 1987 c 312 art 1 s 10 subd 1; 1988 c 617 s 5