November 1, 2019 Minnesota Star Tribune Brooks Johnson The average residential bill would increase by $11. DULUTH – Minnesota Power is asking state regulators for a 10.5% rate increase that would raise the average residential bill by more than $11 a month and small business power bills by $30 a month. The Duluth-based utility told the…
01Oct
Improvements coming to Minnesota Power’s CARE affordability program
Published October 1, 2019 Minnesota Power has received approval to overhaul its Customer Affordability Residential Electricity (CARE) Program. The CARE program helps reduce the cost of electricity for Minnesota Power’s low-income customers. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has given Minnesota Power the go-ahead to implement significant program reforms. Minnesota Power worked diligently with stakeholders for…
02Apr
Minnesota Power industrial demand response proposal would have massive cost, little to no benefit for consumers
Minnesota Power, which provides electricity in Duluth and parts of northeast and central Minnesota recently put forward a proposal for a new demand response program to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for approval. In this blog, I’ll take a look at what demand response is, why it can be an inexpensive and clean energy resource,…
30Oct
MN Power customers likely to face $350 million in new costs for unneeded power plant
Yesterday, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved Minnesota Power’s petition for a new Nemadji Trail gas power plant in a 3-2 decision. As we’ve followed on this blog, none of the parties who weighed in on this case before the PUC found a need for the electricity that this plant would generate. In contrast,…
27Sep
PUC decision expected on proposed Minnesota Power gas plant
At a meeting in Duluth on October 18, the state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is expected to decide whether to grant Minnesota Power permission to construct a new gas power plant in Superior, Wisconsin, at a cost of approximately $350 million. It’s a public meeting; see details below on how to attend. Minnesota’s public utilities…
27Mar
MN Power customers concerned about proposed gas plant, rates
Last fall, Minnesota Power announced their proposal to build a new $350 million natural gas plant in Superior Wisconsin. This power plant would add 250 MW of additional electricity generation capacity for Minnesota Power. At CUB, our mission is to advocate for affordable and reliable utility service and clean energy for residential and small business…
20Feb
Analysis for industry, energy groups concludes MN Power proposed gas plant not needed
Last fall, Minnesota Power proposed to own half of a new 250 MW gas power plant in Superior, Wisconsin. Because the plant would cost Minnesota Power ratepayers approximately $350 million, it needs approval from the Public Utilities Commission to move forward. Experts have now submitted their initial testimony in the public review of the plant, and…
07Feb
Update from CUB: Saving Money, Reducing Emissions and Defending Consumers
The new year has just started, and CUB has been busy. You can see our public events on our website, but there’s a lot more going on beyond what’s posted. We do quite a few a privately scheduled outreach events and are very active in various policy discussions in the state. Here’s a little insight…
06Feb
Minnesota Power customers will see bills decrease, as regulators cut rate increase request
On Tuesday, the state Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved a rate increase for Minnesota Power electric customers. The increase was much smaller than the utility had requested, and is less than the interim rate increase already applied to customers’ bills, so most or all households will see a small refund when the new rates go…
20Sep
Before $350 million charge, make sure power plant is the best choice for customers
Minnesota Power recently proposed to build and own a new natural gas power plant. CUB will be watching closely as the proposal goes through regulatory review to make sure that this investment would be a good deal for consumers. Minnesota’s public utilities are monopoly companies whose investors earn a rate of return on projects like…