Blog
Welcome Brandon Crawford, CUB’s new summer legal intern
Published June 3, 2021 Brandon joined the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota in June 2021 as a summer legal intern. He will be conducting legal research and writing to support CUB’s participation in Public Utilities Commission dockets and to help us better understand and share information on emerging energy-related legislation. Brandon is a third-year student at the…
Summer energy saving tips
Published June 3, 2021 According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, heating and cooling comprise 55% of a typical Minnesota home’s energy use. The challenge during these next 3-4 months of warm weather is that using a lot of air conditioning can result in high electricity bills. Below are some tips to try to keep…
Legislature passes ECO Act to update energy conservation programs
Published May 26, 2021 On May 17, the Minnesota legislature passed the first major energy reform in more than a decade. The Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act will provide more options for Minnesotans to reduce their energy use, costs, and environmental impact. The bill updates the state’s long-standing and successful Conservation Improvement Program and…
PUC doesn’t yet allow CenterPoint, other gas utilities to charge customers for Feb. price spike
Published May 26, 2021 This past February, severe cold weather in Texas and the Midwest caused natural gas prices to spike nationwide. The price spike was caused by a “perfect storm” of: (i) increased demand (many households rely on natural gas for heat), (ii) reduced supply (some gas pipelines literally froze up in Texas and…
Minnesota regulators do not approve CenterPoint’s proposed investment in advanced meters
Published May 18, 2021 I recently wrote a blog about CenterPoint Energy’s petition to begin installing smart meters at the homes and businesses of its Minnesota customers. Like any time a regulated utility asks to spend its customers’ money, this proposal required approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). CUB recommended that the Commission…