Blog

Public hearings scheduled for Xcel Energy’s electric rate case
Updated September 29, 2022 (Additional public hearings added); Published August 17, 2022 Last year, Xcel Energy filed a request to increase electric rates by more than 20 percent. If you are an Xcel customer, you are already seeing a 6.4 percent interim rate increase on your bills, which is in effect as the Public Utilities…

Otter Tail Power to offer affordability discount to qualifying customers
Published July 26, 2022 Otter Tail Power will soon offer an electricity bill discount to income-qualified customers after the company’s proposal was approved by the Public Utilities Commission last week. With this approval, all of Minnesota’s investor owned utilities will now offer affordability programs for customers with low incomes. Otter Tail’s program, called Uplift, will…

Tips and safety during power outages
Published July 12, 2022 Summer and winter can both bring unpredictable weather, and Minnesota has its fair share of sudden thunderstorms, snowstorms, and high winds that can damage electrical lines. Power outages can be stressful, uncomfortable, and even dangerous. Here are some tips to prepare for and safely navigate power outages. If you or someone…

Cryptocurrency mining’s risk to Otter Tail’s ratepayers
Published July 11, 2022 In September 2021, the North Dakota Public Service Commission approved a service agreement to provide energy for a new cryptocurrency mining facility in Jamestown, North Dakota. However, this new facility will become Otter Tail Power’s second largest customer and will draw twice as much energy as the entire city that it…

Public Utilities Commission accepting public comments in writing or at virtual or in-person hearings, July 19 and 20
Published July 7, 2022 Minnesota Power has asked to increase electric rates by more than 18 percent: approximately $180 per year for the average household. How much the utility will ultimately be allowed to raise rates will be determined by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC), which is now requesting public input. If you are…