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Some improvements, but legislature’s energy bill is still bad for rural Minnesotans
On Monday, the legislature sent a revised omnibus jobs and energy bill to Governor Dayton, including this year’s energy policy provisions. The bill, SF 1456, was the result of negotiations among legislative leadership and the Governor. However, DFL conference committee members reported that the bill contained some items that the governor had expected would be…
Regulators approve Xcel rate increase
Yesterday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved a plan under which Xcel residential electricity rates will increase by 10.6 percent over four years. Customers are already paying much of the increase, in a 5.5 percent interim rate increase that went into place in 2016. This is the first multi-year rate plan that regulators have approved…
Time to Tune the AC
Aside from a little snow early this month, it’s been a great May! Now is a good time to make sure your air conditioner is in tip top shape. While you’re doing your spring yard clean up, make sure your AC unit is free of debris. Additionally, just like furnaces, air conditioners should be serviced…
Analysis: Minnesota energy bill would harm consumers
This week, the Minnesota House and Senate released the latest draft of its package of energy funding and policy bills. The bill would harm Minnesota utility consumers, and CUB urges a “no” vote. The energy package is contained in the broader Jobs omnibus bill (SF 1937). The energy provisions would: Hurt jobs, residential and small business customers, and…
Make your voice heard on proposed Minnesota Power rate increase
If you follow this blog, you know that Minnesota Power has proposed two rate increases for its electric customers. Here’s an update. Warning: This blog is going to get long. It will cover: Summary of potential rate increases You may be exempt from the EITE rate increase Tell the PUC what you think — written…