May 28, 2021 Sahan Journal Andrew Hazzard A rare bipartisan bill aims to help Minnesota lower emissions while offering significant savings for low-income families, including many people of color. Governor Tim Walz signed the Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act into law May 25. The bill modernizes the state’s Conservation Improvement Program, a long-term energy-…
26May
PUC doesn’t yet allow CenterPoint, other gas utilities to charge customers for Feb. price spike
Published May 26, 2021 This past February, severe cold weather in Texas and the Midwest caused natural gas prices to spike nationwide. The price spike was caused by a “perfect storm” of: (i) increased demand (many households rely on natural gas for heat), (ii) reduced supply (some gas pipelines literally froze up in Texas and…
02Apr
Not just a Texas problem: Minnesotans will be paying for the recent natural gas spike, too
Published April 2, 2021 Two weeks ago, I wrote about proposed legislation to help consumers weather a dramatic spike in the price of natural gas that occurred in February. The issue is moving forward in both the legislative and regulatory arenas, so I am back with an update. The severe cold weather that hit Texas…
23Jun
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…
10Feb
CUB seeks to equalize conservation opportunities for rural Minnesotans at state legislature
Published February 10, 2020 For decades, Minnesota utilities have been required by law to help their customers save energy through the Conservation Improvement Program. Utilities offer rebates on efficient appliances, discounted home energy audits, and more to help people and businesses lower their energy bills. Consumers’ conservation, in turn, saves money for everyone. It reduces…
28Aug
Renters tips to save energy and money
When renting an apartment or home it is important to consider the utilities you need to pay for in addition to your rent. Here are some general tips to help you get prepared when your utility bill comes in. Find out what you are responsible for. Renters are often expected to sign up and pay…
06May
Legislative update: What we’re watching in the final two weeks
The Minnesota House and Senate have passed their major energy packages, and negotiations are beginning on these and all areas of spending and policy. The legislature is set to adjourn on May 20, and, as usual, the majority of bills will be settled during the final weeks or days of session. Most energy provisions are…
25Mar
Bill would saddle Minnesotans with $467 million in large industry’s energy costs
Recently, the Senate took action to shift hundreds of millions of dollars in energy costs from the state’s largest industry onto regular people. On March 14, the Senate Energy Committee heard Senator David Senjem’s Clean Energy First Act (SF 1456). Clean Energy First was a carefully written bill that would require utilities to look first…
12Dec
Xcel customers: Get ready for a rate increase in the New Year
Back in the fall of 2017, we informed you about a multi-year rate increase approved for Xcel Energy electricity customers. The first, and largest, portion of rate increases went into effect on October 1, 2017, and now it’s time to get ready for another round. Effective January 1, 2019, Xcel customers will face an increase…
04Sep
Shifting Seasons: Fall Energy Tips
The shift of seasons is upon us. The State Fair is over and kids are back at school. Soon we’ll be turning the furnace instead of the air conditioner and closing windows instead of keeping them open. To help you keep bills reasonable during transition time as it starts to get colder, we’ve included some quick…