Published September 8, 2020 You’ve heard this a lot already: it’s going to be a unique fall season. These unusual times are also impacting our energy use and patterns of use. With many people spending much more time at home than what is typical, household energy use is going to increase. The tips below will…
Published September 4, 2020 In a June 5, 2020 blog post, CUB raised the following question: Could financing through your utility bill help people make home energy efficiency improvements? We have continued to think about this question when reviewing a $50 million pilot program proposed by the City of Minneapolis to offer a tariffed on-bill…
Published August 20, 2020 Rooftop solar has been gaining popularity in Xcel’s service territory in recent years. Xcel customers who install solar arrays on their homes or businesses receive credits on their bill for production that exceeds their use and may be eligible to receive other incentives and tax credits; however, these bill credits and…
Published August 4, 2020 Last month I wrote about CUB’s comments filed with the Public Utilities Commission (the “Commission”) in Docket 16-664 recommending that the Commission deny Minnesota Power’s (the “Company”) request to extend the deadline for its Integrated Resource Plan (“IRP”). As noted in our comments, the Company’s IRP filing deadline had been extended twice…
Published August 4, 2020 CUB is seeking a motivated intern to support our communications and outreach programs. The intern will assist with CUB’s communications strategies, support CUB’s outreach events, help people analyze and understand their electric and gas bills, how to reduce energy waste and save money, and their options for renewable energy. It’s a…
Published July 24, 2020 Thinking about how you are going to heat your home this winter? Maybe not. After all, it’s still the middle of a hot summer! At CUB we think about heating and cooling all year long, so we can help you plan ahead. Just over 12 percent of Minnesotans heat their home…
Published July 22, 2020 Last Thursday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) took steps to make electricity data available for research and analysis that can reduce waste, save consumers money, and cut emissions. We are pleased by this step and are confident that the ongoing effort the PUC has set up will provide critical data…
Published July 22, 2020 CUB is looking for committed Minnesotans to join our board of directors. Why join? As a board member, you will guide CUB’s strategic direction and the organization’s long-term sustainability. You’ll make sure that CUB’s activities are on track to equitably advance clean energy and consumer protection. And you’ll make sure that…
Published July 20, 2020 Minnesota law requires public utilities to periodically file an Integrated Resource Plan (“IRP”) with the Public Utilities Commission (the “Commission”). An IRP is a roadmap that public utilities use to analyze and model various strategies for meeting electricity demand over the next 15 year time horizon. Ideally, the IRP planning process…
After one year as an intern, it is with bittersweet regret and a deep well of gratitude that I announce I will be leaving CUB. While I may be leaving CUB I plan to continue working in the energy field where I will be working on energy-efficient and sustainable buildings as well as supporting initiatives…
