Published July 7, 2021 Xcel Energy began its Flex Pricing Pilot program in November 2020. Participants in the program are charged different electricity rates based on the time of day they use energy. The program is underway in areas around south Minneapolis and Eden Prairie until November 2022. Summer, when demand for electricity is greatest,…
Published June 3, 2021 According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, heating and cooling comprise 55% of a typical Minnesota home’s energy use. The challenge during these next 3-4 months of warm weather is that using a lot of air conditioning can result in high electricity bills. Below are some tips to try to keep…
Published April 22, 2021 More Minnesota households are now eligible for Energy Assistance and have more time to apply for these important benefits. The household income eligibility guidelines have increased from 50% of the state median income to 60% of the state median income. This applies either to a household’s annual income or the three…
Published April 15, 2021 Over the last few years, CUB has fielded an increasing number of calls from consumers interested in learning more about air source heat pumps. This blog provides an overview of resources for those interested in learning more about this technology and whether it could be a good option for their homes….
Published April 12, 2021 It is officially spring in Minnesota and therefore a wide mix of weather is in the forecast. One day you’ll have the heat on; the next day, the windows are open. On really warm days, you might even consider turning on the air conditioner. Here are some tips to manage your…
Published February 4, 2021 I recently spoke with a woman whose January electricity bill for a rented 2-bedroom duplex was over $500! I had a conversation with her to understand a bit more about her home and her personal situation. I made some initial suggestions that would cut her bill by nearly one-third and also followed…
Published January 29, 2021 CUB is pleased to announce that we received funding from the Minnesota Department of Commerce in the form of a Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) grant. The research project to be funded is titled Analysis of New or Modified Energy Efficiency Programs to Increase Energy Savings of Underserved Populations. It’s…
Published November 9, 2020 Think of all the things in your home that run on electricity: Your fridge, stove, oven, washing machine, dryer, coffee maker, microwave, water heater, private water well, furnace fan, your heat, fans, air conditioning, internet service, cell phone charger, TV, gaming systems, computer, printer, lights, and more. Now, think about what…
Published November 5, 2020 On November 1, Xcel launched its two-year Flex Pricing Pilot program in parts of south Minneapolis and Eden Prairie and parts of surrounding communities. Approximately 10,000 customers will take part in the pilot. This program, previously described as a time-of-use rate pilot, was originally scheduled to start on April 1, 2020,…
Published November 5, 2020 Winter came a bit earlier than normal this year, so sorry if this feels a little late. Usually, we don’t want to jinx it by posting winter tips before November! You are probably tired of thinking and talking about how unusual this year has been — I know I am. Well,…
