January 27, 2023 MinnPost Walker Orenstein The DFL bill that would steer utilities toward a carbon-free electric grid is simple in concept: All electric utilities in the state would be asked to use 100% emissions-free energy by 2040. But the proposal — which Democrats have advanced through the Legislature at lightspeed in January — is really…
25Jan
Minnesota Lawmakers Seek Nixing Natural Gas, Oil Imports from State’s Electric Utility Supplies by 2040
January 24, 2023 Natural Gas Intelligence Morgan Evans Minnesota’s state legislature has ramped up the clean energy targets for electric utilities with a bill that would ensure utility customers would receive 100% of their energy from only carbon-free resources 10 years sooner than many utilities had initially planned. Read more.
07Dec
Xcel drops request to raise electric rates next year
December 7, 2022 MPR News Kirsti Marohn Xcel Energy has dropped a controversial request for a $122 million electric rate increase next year. Minnesota’s largest electric utility, which serves 1.3 million customers in Minnesota, requested to raise rates about 21 percent over three years. Last year, the state Public Utilities Commission granted Xcel an interim…
30Nov
Position Announcement: Senior Regulatory Advocate or Regulatory Advocate
Published November 30, 2022 About the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota (CUB) is the independent advocate for Minnesota utility consumers. Our goal is to help ensure all Minnesotans have equal access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy – and to ensure consumers benefit from the transition away from fossil…
14Nov
CenterPoint, Xcel challenge decision forcing them to pay more of historic winter storm’s costs
November 9, 2022 Star Tribune Mike Hughlett Minnesota’s two largest gas utilities are challenging a state ruling prohibiting them from together charging consumers $55 million for costs incurred during a 2021 winter storm. CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy on Tuesday asked the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to “reconsider” its August decision, which faulted the two utilities…
01Nov
Utility affordability programs can keep energy bills affordable
Published November 1, 2022 Minnesota households are bracing for higher heating costs this winter. Many households that qualify for Energy Assistance can receive additional discounts on their electric and/or gas service through their utility. Each utility’s program is a little different, but most of these programs cap participants’ bills at 2-4% of the households’ income…
14Oct
Home heating costs in Minnesota expected to increase dramatically this winter
October 12, 2022 MinnPost Brian Lambert This from MPR’s Kirsti Marohn, “Fuel prices are on the rise, and that means most Minnesotans will be paying considerably more to keep their homes warm this winter. Whether you use natural gas to heat your home — as about two-thirds of Minnesotans do — or some other energy source,…
29Sep
Energy Assistance applications are available now
Published September 29, 2022 Energy bills have been on the rise, and this winter’s heating bills are unfortunately predicted to be even higher than last year. This is likely going to put a strain on many household budgets. We encourage people who meet income guidelines to apply for the Energy Assistance Program. Energy Assistance provides…
29Sep
Fall offers opportunities for energy savings
Published September 29, 2022 There’s nothing quite like fall in Minnesota. The fall colors and cooler temperatures make it perfect for enjoying the weather outside and inside our homes. When it comes to energy use, early fall and late spring are typically our lowest energy use months because we don’t have to heat or cool…
27Sep
It’s Energy Awareness Month – Let’s talk about energy
Published September 27, 2022 Fall is here, and so is Energy Awareness Month. During October, we invite all Minnesotans to observe Energy Awareness Month by taking a closer look at their relationship with energy. Whether you’re turning on the heat, charging your phone, or cooking a meal, energy plays a major role in our lives….