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….
27Apr
Minnesota Power seeks to lower rate hike, refund $12 million to customers
April 23, 2020 Duluth News Tribune Jimmy Lovrien If approved by regulators, Minnesota Power’s Jan. 1, 2020, rate increase will decrease from 5.8% to 4.1%, and the difference will be refunded to customers. Minnesota Power is aiming to lower its proposed rate hike and refund the difference to customers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Duluth-based…
15Apr
Behind on utility bills due to coronavirus? Contact provider to ensure service continues
April 13, 2020 Twin Cities Pioneer Press Dane Mizutani While most electricity and gas providers are extending additional protections during the COVID-19 crisis, Minnesotans that are behind on utility bills are still being encouraged to contact their provider to ensure service continues. This advice comes the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a nonprofit advocate for utility…
14Apr
Utility Providers Including Minnesota Power Suspend Disconnections, Late Fees
April 13, 2020 Fox 21 Local News Duluth Arman Rahman Citizens Utility Board and Minnesota Power Urge Customers to Call to arrange payment plan. DULUTH, Minn.- People struggling to keep up with heat, water, or electric bills due to the Coronavirus pandemic may find some relief from many utility providers. The Citizens Utility Board, a…
30Mar
Xcel Energy Flex Pricing Pilot Postponed
Published March 30, 2020 Xcel Energy had planned to start a pilot program testing time-of-use rates for certain customers in Minneapolis and Eden Prairie on April 1. However, given the current situation, Xcel is postponing the pilot. The postponement means that all pilot participants will remain on their current electric pricing plan until further notice….
13Mar
Minnesota clean energy legislation has one more obstacle this year with coronavirus
March 13, 2020 Star Tribune Mike Hughlett The Republicans and DFL plans are far apart, but there is more of a desire to reach an agreement this year. Minnesota lawmakers are once again jockeying to craft new clean energy legislation. And while they seem to be trying harder to reach an agreement this year, it’s…
05Feb
Top 5 winter savings recommendations
Published February 5, 2020 Winter isn’t leaving Minnesota any time soon, and now that most people have paid several months of winter energy bills, does your wallet feel lighter? If so, consider these top 5 savings recommendations to keep your home more comfortable and save on your next energy bill. Adjust your thermostat-the Department of…
03Feb
As Xcel moves toward coal-free, will natural gas remain part of energy mix?
January 31, 2020 MPRnews Kirsti Marohn When Xcel Energy announced last year that it plans to stop burning coal in Minnesota by 2030, environmental groups applauded the company’s effort to curb greenhouse gas emissions linked to climate change. But one part of Xcel’s plan is being met with less enthusiasm: It’s proposing to replace a coal-fired power…
15Jan
Xcel plan to idle coal plants could save millions, slash carbon emissions; could Wisconsin utilities do the same?
January 11, 2020 Wisconsin State Journal Chris Hubbuch Minnesota’s Xcel Energy says it can save ratepayers up to $30 million a year and eliminate millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions by idling two coal plants six months a year and changing the way they operate in the others. Environmental groups are hailing the plan…