In the News
Minnesota lawmakers poised to pass updated energy conservation law
May 14, 2020 Energy News Network Frank Jossi A bipartisan bill in Minnesota would reward utilities for encouraging customers to switch to less carbon-intensive fuels for heating, cooling and transportation. The Energy Conservation and Optimization Act updates the state’s Conservation Improvement Program, which state officials say has provided $6 billion in benefits and created 46,000 jobs. The…
Minnesota’s public utilities say pandemic could hit their bottom line
May 9, 2020 Twin Cities Pioneer Press Matthew Guerry Residential customers are having trouble paying their bills. Commercial clients are using less power as offices and other workplaces remain on lockdown. And depending on how severely those factors affect the financial health of Minnesota utility companies, rates might just end up increasing. Major utilities have…
Minnesota utilities bracing for COVID-19 impact
May 6, 2020 Star Tribune Brooks Johnson A group of large utilities is asking state regulators to track pandemic expenses for potential recovery later. Minnesota utilities are bracing for a stack of unpaid bills and increased costs as the pandemic continues to upend the economy. As jobs are lost, late notices are expected to grow,…
Minnesota Power seeks to lower rate hike, refund $12 million to customers
April 23, 2020 Duluth News Tribune Jimmy Lovrien If approved by regulators, Minnesota Power’s Jan. 1, 2020, rate increase will decrease from 5.8% to 4.1%, and the difference will be refunded to customers. Minnesota Power is aiming to lower its proposed rate hike and refund the difference to customers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Duluth-based…
Behind on utility bills due to coronavirus? Contact provider to ensure service continues
April 13, 2020 Twin Cities Pioneer Press Dane Mizutani While most electricity and gas providers are extending additional protections during the COVID-19 crisis, Minnesotans that are behind on utility bills are still being encouraged to contact their provider to ensure service continues. This advice comes the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a nonprofit advocate for utility…