August 3, 2020 Energy News Network Frank Jossi A proposal from the state’s Citizens Utility Board wants to make anonymous data open to third-party researchers. As utilities begin to collect more data from smart meters, regulators are facing questions about who should have access to the potential treasure trove. Minnesota regulators took a first step…
27Jul
Major Minnesota utilities can’t disconnect customers during the pandemic — but local ones can
July 24, 2020 The Bemidji Pioneer Matthew Guerry ST. PAUL — Carla McElmury was already struggling to pay for her utilities when she lost her job. Having taken time off in late 2019 to heal from an operation to remove excess skin, the result of an earlier gastric bypass surgery, she was no longer able…
02Jul
Utility efficiency programs offer model to merge climate, racial justice solutions
July 2, 2020 Energy News Network Kari Lydersen Many states require utilities to help low-income customers conserve energy despite higher costs and barriers. As urgency grows to simultaneously address climate change and racial justice through proposals like the Green New Deal, low-income energy efficiency programs provide a potential example of how to merge the priorities. …
25Jun
Inside Clean Energy: Here Are the States Where You Save the Most on Fuel by Choosing an EV
June 25, 2020 Inside Climate News Dan Gearino The promise of saving money could be an essential part of nudging the public to begin driving all-electric cars and trucks. But it’s not easy to figure out the differences in costs between an EV and a model that runs on gasoline. The calculation needs to include…
18Jun
Xcel proposes $3B in renewable projects to bolster economy dogged by pandemic
June 17, 2020 Star Tribune Mike Hughlett and Brooks Johnson Xcel Energy to tackle $3B worth of projects earlier than planned; Minnesota Power will spend $40M on new solar arrays. Xcel Energy would accelerate nearly $3 billion in spending, particularly on large renewable-energy projects, in response to calls from state utility regulators to jolt Minnesota’s…
19May
Welcome Brian Edstrom, CUB’s new Senior Regulatory Advocate
Published May 19, 2020 Brian joined the Citizens Utility Board in May 2020 as the organization’s Senior Regulatory Advocate. Prior to joining CUB, Brian practiced law with a boutique business law firm, Avisen Legal, P.A. in Minneapolis, where he advised small business owners on a variety of general business and regulatory matters. Brian’s work experience…
14May
Minnesota lawmakers poised to pass updated energy conservation law
May 14, 2020 Energy News Network Frank Jossi A bipartisan bill in Minnesota would reward utilities for encouraging customers to switch to less carbon-intensive fuels for heating, cooling and transportation. The Energy Conservation and Optimization Act updates the state’s Conservation Improvement Program, which state officials say has provided $6 billion in benefits and created 46,000 jobs. The…
11May
Minnesota’s public utilities say pandemic could hit their bottom line
May 9, 2020 Twin Cities Pioneer Press Matthew Guerry Residential customers are having trouble paying their bills. Commercial clients are using less power as offices and other workplaces remain on lockdown. And depending on how severely those factors affect the financial health of Minnesota utility companies, rates might just end up increasing. Major utilities have…
06May
Minnesota utilities bracing for COVID-19 impact
May 6, 2020 Star Tribune Brooks Johnson A group of large utilities is asking state regulators to track pandemic expenses for potential recovery later. Minnesota utilities are bracing for a stack of unpaid bills and increased costs as the pandemic continues to upend the economy. As jobs are lost, late notices are expected to grow,…
29Apr
Consumer spotlight: CUB helps Holly Buchanan save nearly $250
Published April 29, 2020 Multiple issues motivate someone to reach out to CUB. Often, people want to save money. Other times, they are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact or participate more in renewable energy. For many, it’s a combination of reasons. Luckily the suggestions we offer consumers can help with all of the above….