CUB fights CenterPoint’s request for a second interim rate increase in 2025
Last fall, CenterPoint Energy filed a multiyear rate case with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). CenterPoint is asking to raise revenues by $136.4 million over two years. Read more about CenterPoint's current rate case here.
Under state law, utilities are permitted to raise rates on an interim, or temporary, basis while their rate case is being reviewed by the PUC. The PUC previously approved an interim rate increase for 2024, meaning CenterPoint’s residential customers saw their bills increase by an average of around $5.91 per month beginning last January. CenterPoint is now requesting a further increase to interim rates. If approved, the average residential customer will see their bill increase by another $2.00 per month beginning on January 1, 2025.
Though the PUC is typically obligated by Minnesota statute to approve an initial interim rate unless "it finds that exigent circumstances exist," a different regulation applies to multiyear rate cases like this one. In a multiyear rate case, there is no legal obligation to approve a second interim rate increase while the final increase is under consideration; the PUC is permitted to deny CenterPoint's latest request.
On October 30, 2024, CUB filed comments recommending the PUC deny the second interim rate increase for 2025. Many CenterPoint customers are already struggling to pay their natural gas bills, and an additional rate increase will only exacerbate that struggle. This is especially a concern as we enter the winter months, when national gas bills tend to be higher. We are hopeful the PUC will deny CenterPoint’s proposed interim rate increase.
Get involved
The regulatory process continues in evaluating CenterPoint’s broader rate increase proposal. If you are frustrated about paying higher CenterPoint gas rates, you can submit a written public comment to the PUC. Written comments can be submitted online or sent by email to consumer.puc@state.mn.us. All written comments should reference Docket No. 23-173 and should be filed before December 20, 2024. (Please note that everything in your comment will become part of the public record.) Additional information on filing a public comment is available here.
The Clean Heat Minnesota Coalition also has an easy form for any CenterPoint customers specifically interested in submitting a comment opposing rate recover of AGA dues. (I previously wrote about CUB’s opposition to rate recovery of AGA dues here.)
Track ongoing developments in the rate case
Meanwhile, parties involved in the rate case will have additional opportunities to file testimony, cross examine others parties’ witnesses, and file legal briefs further supporting their recommendations. Keep an eye on the CUB website for updates as we continue to fight for consumers. Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on CenterPoint’s rate case.