July 24, 2020 The Bemidji Pioneer Matthew Guerry ST. PAUL — Carla McElmury was already struggling to pay for her utilities when she lost her job. Having taken time off in late 2019 to heal from an operation to remove excess skin, the result of an earlier gastric bypass surgery, she was no longer able…
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…
11May
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…
06May
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,…
15Apr
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…
07Apr
Minnesota Power rate increase request, public meetings delayed one month
Published April 7, 2020 Given the current COVID-19 state of emergency, the schedule for Minnesota Power’s rate increase request is being postponed for about a month. Late last year, Minnesota Power filed a request to increase customers’ rates, including a residential rate increase of 15 percent. Customers are currently paying an interim rate increase of…
16Mar
Minnesota utilities suspending disconnections during COVID-19
Published March 16, 2020. Updated May 19, 2:24 p.m. CUB is asking all utilities to ensure customers are turned on, even people who can’t meet minimum payments right now. We are also asking the State of Minnesota leaders for statewide action. Everyone must have electricity, heat, water, sanitation, and communications services during this time, while…