Published May 11, 2020 Thank you for being a supporter of the Citizens Utility Board. Right now, I’d expected to be planning CUB’s fourth-anniversary Consumers Celebration event. We’re disappointed, but we’ve come to terms with the fact that the in-person event is not going to happen this year. But just because we’re physically apart doesn’t mean we can’t…
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….
Published April 24, 2020 A bill to update the state’s Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) law was passed by the energy committees in both the Minnesota House and Senate yesterday. The product of more than a year of work, the Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act is advancing with bipartisan support, carried by Representative Zack Stephenson…
Published April 23, 2020 Today, Minnesota Power filed a request to immediately reduce customer bills, to soon refund approximately $12 million to customers, and to withdraw its pending request for a rate increase. The coronavirus pandemic has drastically changed the circumstances surrounding Minnesota Power’s earlier rate increase request. In November, Minnesota Power filed a request…
Published April 7, 2020 Given the current COVID-19 state of emergency, the schedule for Minnesota Power’s rate increase request is being postponed for about a month. Late last year, Minnesota Power filed a request to increase customers’ rates, including a residential rate increase of 15 percent. Customers are currently paying an interim rate increase of…
Published March 30, 2020 Things have changed a lot since we posted out light-hearted Spring Energy Saving Tips earlier this month. We recognize we’re all under a lot of stress right now. CUB is here to help consumers who are worried about their household energy bills. Hopefully, we can play a role in reducing some…
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….
This page is no longer being updated. For the latest information, visit https://cubminnesota.org/shutoff/ or contact us. Published March 16, 2020. Updated May 19, 2:24 p.m. CUB is asking all utilities to ensure customers are turned on, even people who can’t meet minimum payments right now. We are also asking the State of Minnesota leaders for…
Published March 9, 2020 Solar energy is becoming a popular investment for Minnesota cities and counties. With the great opportunity to utilize school rooftops, fields and parking lots, some schools have installed solar, and others are showing interest in investing in renewable energy. For schools, solar can provide potential cost savings, offer a learning experience…
Published March 9, 2020 It’s been a pretty mild winter. We were a little hesitant to post this blog knowing there still could be snowstorms in our future! Such is spring in Minnesota. It’s a mix of weather, so our tips below reflect that. Concentrate on managing your thermostat (up or down) to manage your energy use…
