|
|
For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2022
|
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Contact: Cori Rude-Young, 651-201-2241
|
Minnesota’s utility regulators warn of higher energy prices this winter
St. Paul, Minnesota — Energy prices are on the rise, and that means most Minnesotans will be paying more to keep their homes warm this winter. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that Americans will pay on average $931 for heating this winter – an increase of 28% over last year. On average Minnesota homeowners pay less for their electricity than other parts of the country; however, rising costs are putting pressure on our utility bills.
“Energy prices are top-of-mind for state regulators, and we are taking actions whenever we can to lessen the impact to ratepayers,” said Minnesota Public Utilities Commissioner Joseph Sullivan. “The reality is, Minnesota, along with other states, is dealing with higher utility costs because of the steadily increasing natural gas prices.”
Prices for energy are rising significantly across the entire world, because of broad market factors including the war in Ukraine and global inflation.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Department of Commerce have programs that help homeowners and renters keep utility costs down and have taken steps to help lessen the burden for Minnesotans. These steps include limiting interim rates and disallowing some recovery of extraordinary costs from Winter Storm Uri in February 2021.
“One way to lower the financial impact is to be more efficient whenever possible,” said Commissioner Sullivan. “There are several options and rebates to help mitigate your energy costs – from home energy audits to gas and electric appliance rebates, to installing a programmable thermostat, to contacting your utility about a payment plan.”
Energy saving and assistance programs
Learn more
The Commission regularly holds non-decision information meetings (called Planning Meetings) to hear from stakeholders and regulated utilities on important energy topics. On December 20 at 10 a.m., the Commission will hear from several utilities on rates and affordability issues. Agenda and webcast link on our website.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional, and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc.
|
|
|
|
