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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
One of our roles at CUB is to help Minnesotans better understand their energy options. To do that, we also want to help people understand some of the basic, technical aspects of energy, such as measuring it. In most of our homes, energy as a resource is something we can’t see, feel, hear, or touch….
Our cold weather is finally behind us, but some people may still be trying to catch up on winter energy bills. Luckily, it’s not too late to get Energy Assistance for the past heating season. The State of Minnesota recently received an additional $14.7 million in federal funds for the Energy Assistance Program. This is…
