Blog
Renewable energy programs
Published April 1, 2021 There are more and more tangible ways for consumers to reduce the environmental impact of their household energy usage. On top of maximizing energy efficiency, households also have many options when it comes to using renewable energy resources. Not all households may be able to install rooftop solar panels or subscribe…
Legislature considers assistance to customers to counter natural gas price spike
Published March 16, 2021 This week, the committees responsible for energy in the Minnesota House and Senate will hear identical bills aimed at addressing the severe spike in the price of natural gas that affected Minnesota gas utilities in February. The severe cold weather in Texas and the Midwest last month caused the price of…
The role utilities and utility regulators can play in addressing systemic inequities
Published March 8, 2021 2020 was a challenging year (understatement). All of us have been affected, in some way, by COVID-19 and measures taken to slow its spread. That said, Minnesota’s COVID-19 Response data shows that the pandemic has been disproportionately harmful to certain demographic groups. Throughout the pandemic, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color…
Senate to hear bills to roll back or eliminate long-standing energy conservation law
Published February 24, 2021 Tomorrow, the Senate energy committee will hear bills that would roll back opportunities for Minnesotans – especially in Greater Minnesota – to conserve energy and save money on their utility bills. CUB is asking people in key senate districts to contact their senators and ask them to oppose these bills (more…
CUB bill will expand public interest representation at the Public Utilities Commission
Published February 22, 2021. Updated March 1 to include Senate File number. A bill being advanced by CUB and the Energy CENTS Coalition at the state legislature would expand the opportunity for public representation at the Public Utilities Commission. The bill updates a Minnesota law called “intervenor compensation,” which allows people and nonprofits to have…