So, you’re a few months behind on your energy bill, and you’ve received a disconnection notice. Don’t panic – there are avenues to find your way out of this situation and keep your power or gas on without breaking the bank. Keep reading for our step-by-step guide to avoiding disconnection: 1. Contact your utility. The…
Published July 24, 2023 Xcel’s electric rate case is not the only reason the company’s customers will see their electric bills increase. Recently, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) heard a petition from Xcel to recover the costs associated with installing advanced meters. While these meters can provide customers with significant benefits, they are expensive. Cost…
Published July 18, 2023 Last week, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (the Commission) approved a proposal to automatically enroll CenterPoint Energy customers who receive Energy Assistance into a program that caps customer bills at an affordable payment each month. These changes will go into effect on January 1, 2024. Gas Affordability Programs (GAPs) offer income-eligible…
Published April 21, 2023 Spring provides unique opportunities to save on your energy bills as the weather starts to change. Of course, spring in Minnesota is often unpredictable: one day you’ll have the heat on; the next day, the windows are open. Here are some tips to manage your energy use, bills, and comfort during…
Published November 28, 2022 As temperatures continue to drop and fall festivities wrap up, it’s time to start preparing for winter. While it was nice to have the sun out again for a short holiday weekend to bring warmth to family gatherings, the snow and cold we saw earlier this month are indicators of the…
Published November 1, 2022 Minnesota households are bracing for higher heating costs this winter. Many households that qualify for Energy Assistance can receive additional discounts on their electric and/or gas service through their utility. Each utility’s program is a little different, but most of these programs cap participants’ bills at 2-4% of the households’ income…
Published September 29, 2022 There’s nothing quite like fall in Minnesota. The fall colors and cooler temperatures make it perfect for enjoying the weather outside and inside our homes. When it comes to energy use, early fall and late spring are typically our lowest energy use months because we don’t have to heat or cool…
Published July 26, 2022 Otter Tail Power will soon offer an electricity bill discount to income-qualified customers after the company’s proposal was approved by the Public Utilities Commission last week. With this approval, all of Minnesota’s investor owned utilities will now offer affordability programs for customers with low incomes. Otter Tail’s program, called Uplift, will…
Published June 27, 2022 Minnesota summers are hot, humid, and sometimes unbearable. Households might find themselves struggling to keep cool and balance high energy bills. For those concerned about their energy bills, it’s more important than ever to work to manage your usage while staying comfortable. We’ve provided some tips to help you manage your…
Published February 22, 2022 Most of us are feeling the effects of rising costs and are looking for ways to save money. CUB is here to share strategies to help you manage the energy piece of your household budget. Our money and energy saving tip for today: Rebates. If you aren’t familiar with rebates offered…
