Author Archives: Brandon Crawford

Xcel gas customers to see rate refunds

Published April 6, 2023 On March 23, 2023, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission accepted a settlement that increased rates for Xcel Energy’s natural gas customers. The agreement was negotiated by the company, the Department of Commerce, the Office of the Attorney General, the Suburban Rate Authority, and a group of clean energy organizations (Fresh Energy…

Although final rate hike still pending, Xcel electric customers will not see an interim cost increase at the start of 2023

Published December 14, 2022 Last year, Xcel Energy filed a request with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to increase rates for its Minnesota electric customers. Because the process for evaluating whether these new rates should be allowed (i.e. a “rate case”) takes time, Minnesota law allows Xcel to increase electricity rates on a temporary basis…

Minnesota Power’s IRP includes additional renewable energy and storage

Published November 28, 2022 Earlier this month, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved Minnesota Power’s plans for the future of its energy system. As required by law, Minnesota Power’s latest Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) provides a roadmap for how the utility will meet its electricity demand over the next 15 years. Throughout the IRP…

CenterPoint residential rates set at interim levels

Published November 23, 2022 On September 23, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) accepted and adopted a settlement that established increased rates for CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas (CenterPoint) customers. Residential customers will see the interim rate of 3.9 percent which went into effect on January 1, 2022, become permanent. Below is a brief summary and…

High energy bills? Weatherization offers long-term solutions

Published February 7, 2022 As Minnesotans face the pressures of low temperatures and high natural gas bills this winter, significant support may be on the horizon. Efficiency upgrades to “weatherize” homes can help homeowners reduce their energy bills and, in turn, save money. With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the federal…

Consumers are paying millions of dollars to utility executives

Published November 24, 2021 In 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted a rule requiring public companies to disclose how chief executive officer (CEO) compensation compares to median employee income. When the SEC began requiring companies to publish CEO to employee pay ratios, it provided consumers with a way of being more informed about the…

Looking at Otter Tail’s plans for the future

Published September 22, 2021 What is an IRP?  This fall, numerous utilities across Minnesota are filing Integrated Resource Plans, or IRPs, with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”). Among those utilities are Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail Power. But what exactly is an IRP? Essentially, the purpose of an IRP is to lay…

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