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Legislature advances a bill to decarbonize Minnesota electricity by 2040
Published January 17, 2023 Hearings begin this week on a bill to fully decarbonize Minnesota’s electricity sector. The bill, authored by Representative Jamie Long (HF 7) and Senator Nick Frentz (SF 4) and supported by Governor Walz, would require electric utilities to provide carbon-free power by 2040, ten years earlier than Xcel Energy’s and Minnesota…
Public Utilities Commission approves automatic enrollment for Xcel’s Gas Affordability Program
Published January 13, 2023 Over the course of the past year, Minnesotans have seen the impact of higher natural gas prices on their utility bills. As outlined in several of CUB’s prior blog posts, affordability programs are available to utility customers to help them manage the costs of these bills and allow them to keep…
Three top energy bills at the Minnesota Legislature
Published January 13, 2023 January 3rd marked the start of the Minnesota legislative session, and CUB is again working hard to represent consumer interests in energy policy. With the DFL now in control of the House, Senate, and Governor’s Office, we expect policymakers to be busy with climate and energy bills (and much more). Here…
Navigating energy programs: Ideas for a more user-friendly system
Published January 11, 2023 Have you, friends, or family ever felt stressed about paying an energy bill, replacing a broken water heater, or trying to keep a drafty home warm? Energy programs exist to help with all these issues. You may be able to receive direct bill assistance, free repairs, or rebates. However, looking for help…
Minnesota to require gas utilities to submit public long-term plans
Published January 10, 2023 CUB is pleased to have played an important role in a new regulatory development: Minnesota will now require its three largest natural gas utilities to file integrated resource plans (IRPs)! This blog post provides an overview of how this requirement arose and why it matters. On September 15, 2022, Minnesota’s four largest…