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Easy ways to save energy in the winter

Published November 28, 2022 As temperatures continue to drop and fall festivities wrap up, it’s time to start preparing for winter. While it was nice to have the sun out again for a short holiday weekend to bring warmth to family gatherings, the snow and cold we saw earlier this month are indicators of the…

Minnesota Power’s IRP includes additional renewable energy and storage

Published November 28, 2022 Earlier this month, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved Minnesota Power’s plans for the future of its energy system. As required by law, Minnesota Power’s latest Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) provides a roadmap for how the utility will meet its electricity demand over the next 15 years. Throughout the IRP…

CUB’s 2022 year in review

Published November 23, 2022 It’s been quite a year – and we have you, our supporters, to thank! I am so proud of what we have accomplished together in 2022. The CUB community is a scrappy group, often going up against some of the largest corporations in the state. Together, we are dedicated to affordability,…

CenterPoint residential rates set at interim levels

Published November 23, 2022 On September 23, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) accepted and adopted a settlement that established increased rates for CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas (CenterPoint) customers. Residential customers will see the interim rate of 3.9 percent which went into effect on January 1, 2022, become permanent. Below is a brief summary and…

Utility affordability programs can keep energy bills affordable

Published November 1, 2022 Minnesota households are bracing for higher heating costs this winter. Many households that qualify for Energy Assistance can receive additional discounts on their electric and/or gas service through their utility. Each utility’s program is a little different, but most of these programs cap participants’ bills at 2-4% of the households’ income…

Benefits of renewables

Published October 31, 2022 Written by Akia Vang and Austin Northagen Renewable energy has become more prevalent and integrated into the grid over the past few years– and is expected to become more abundant in the years to come. In Minnesota, the share of renewable energy generation has grown steadily over time, from 16 percent…

Strategies for equitable energy efficiency program design

Published October 31, 2022 CUB is pleased to share our report: Strategies for Equitable Energy Efficiency Program Design: A toolkit for two high-priority populations in the Twin Cities: Black homeowners and property owners renting to Latinx households (pdf). As a result of nearly two years of work, CUB and our partners produced this report for…

CUB continues to fight Xcel’s request to raise electric rates

Published October 27, 2022 Last year, Xcel Energy filed a request with state regulators to charge its Minnesota electric customers an additional $677 million over the coming years. In its filing, Xcel addresses several reasons why it seeks to raise rates. For example, Xcel notes that it will be incurring additional costs to build new…

Prepare for higher heating costs this winter

Published October 18, 2022 Rising energy costs have been big news across the world this year. As Minnesotans enter the heating season, it’s a concern here too. We’re not fans of sharing bad news, but many of us should expect noticeably higher heating costs this winter. Below are some highlights from the Winter Fuels Outlook provided…

Energy Assistance applications are available now

Published September 29, 2022 Energy bills have been on the rise, and this winter’s heating bills are unfortunately predicted to be even higher than last year. This is likely going to put a strain on many household budgets. We encourage people who meet income guidelines to apply for the Energy Assistance Program. Energy Assistance provides…

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