Minnesota Power customers could be paying an average of $225 more than last year for their electric service. Customers who use more electricity than average, including people with electric heat, would see higher increases. Customers that use the least energy, many of whom are seniors and lower-income families, would have the highest proportional rate increase….
11Jun
2017 Legislative Recap: Moving backwards on energy, but worst bills were prevented
Published June 11, 2017 Though the Legislature had been meeting since January 3, almost all of this year’s bills were passed in “omnibus” packages in the final days. After a contention four-day special session, Governor Dayton signed major bills into law on May 30th. With the exception of an early bill for a new Xcel Energy…
30May
Getting Ready for Higher Summer Electric Rates
Published May 30, 2017 With the Memorial Day weekend comes the unofficial start to the Minnesota summer. A few days later, on June 1, higher summer electric rates begin for Xcel customers and continue through September. (Lower winter rates are in effect from October through May.) Residential electric rates go up in the summer to…
24May
Some improvements, but legislature’s energy bill is still bad for rural Minnesotans
Published May 24, 2017 On Monday, the legislature sent a revised omnibus jobs and energy bill to Governor Dayton, including this year’s energy policy provisions. The bill, SF 1456, was the result of negotiations among legislative leadership and the Governor. However, DFL conference committee members reported that the bill contained some items that the governor…
12May
Regulators approve Xcel rate increase
Published May 12, 2017 Yesterday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved a plan under which Xcel residential electricity rates will increase by 10.6 percent over four years. Customers are already paying much of the increase, in a 5.5 percent interim rate increase that went into place in 2016. This is the first multi-year rate plan…
08May
Time to Tune the AC
Published May 8, 2017 Aside from a little snow early this month, it’s been a great May! Now is a good time to make sure your air conditioner is in tip top shape. While you’re doing your spring yard clean up, make sure your AC unit is free of debris. Additionally, just like furnaces, air…
04May
Analysis: Minnesota energy bill would harm consumers
Published May 4, 2017 This week, the Minnesota House and Senate released the latest draft of its package of energy funding and policy bills. The bill would harm Minnesota utility consumers, and CUB urges a “no” vote. The energy package is contained in the broader Jobs omnibus bill (SF 1937). The energy provisions would: Hurt jobs, residential and…
03May
Make your voice heard on proposed Minnesota Power rate increase
Published May 3, 2017 If you follow this blog, you know that Minnesota Power has proposed two rate increases for its electric customers. Here’s an update. Warning: This blog is going to get long. It will cover: Summary of potential rate increases You may be exempt from the EITE rate increase Tell the PUC what…
20Mar
Home insulation can be a year-round money saver
Published March 20, 2017 Today’s energy saving tip comes from the Minnesota Department of Commerce: Proper home insulation is not only a good way to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It can also save you money on your energy bills year round. To reduce costly energy waste, especially in older…
16Mar
Bill could raise rates on families and small businesses
Published March 16, 2017 A bill being heard today in the Senate energy and utilities committee would result in longer and more expensive utility regulatory processes, and would raise energy rates on residential and small business customers. SF 1177/HF 1309 would require economic growth and job retention and growth be considered during the utility ratemaking process….