Blog

Minnesota’s regulated utilities ordered to reconnect shutoff customers, temporarily stop penalizing customers for overdue bills
Published June 23, 2020 Last Thursday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) adopted recommendations from CUB and partners to reconnect gas service to thousands of Minnesotans who are currently shut off and to strengthen consumers’ shutoff protections during COVID-19 and beyond. CUB has joined together with Energy CENTS Coalition, Minnesota Community Action Partnership, and Legal…

Minnesota Power customers will get refunds after utility resolves, PUC approves revised rate increase request
Published June 9, 2020 Last Thursday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously approved a resolution to Minnesota Power’s rate increase request that will result in immediate refunds for customers. The utility, which provides power to Duluth and parts of northeast, north-central, and central Minnesota, had originally requested a large rate increase, including a 15%…

A letter from our executive director
This letter was emailed to CUB’s network on June 8, 2020 The murder of George Floyd and the events of the last two weeks have brought to the surface what we already knew to be true. Our country – and Minnesota, in particular – has serious problems with racial equity that we need to deal…

Could financing through your utility bill help people make home energy efficiency improvements?
Published June 5, 2020 At a May 15 meeting, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) heard from representatives from the University of Minnesota and others exploring whether a new form of financing could help Minnesotans make energy efficiency improvements and reduce their home energy bills. The option is called tariffed on-bill financing (TOBF). It was…

Summer Energy Tips
Published June 3, 2020 With the passing of Memorial Day, we have officially started the Minnesota summer! Minnesotans relish our summers, and CUB recognizes this summer is going to feel a lot different due to COVID-19. Many people will be at home more than normal. More time at home will likely result in more energy…