Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to hold first informational session on utility affordability
St. Paul, MN — The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) will hold the first of three informational sessions next week as part of its investigation into the affordability of rate-regulated electric and natural gas utility service in Minnesota.
The Commission launched the investigation because it is concerned about the cost of utility service and how those costs affect Minnesotans. The goal is to better understand the challenges customers face and identify practical ways to improve affordability while maintaining safe, reliable and increasingly clean utility service and supporting Minnesota’s economic vitality.
The first session, “How Customers View Affordability,” is Tuesday, October 13. The sessions are facilitated by the Regulatory Assistance Project (RAP).
The first session will feature two panels representing a range of perspectives on electricity and natural gas affordability. Panelists include representatives from the National Consumer Law Center; the Minnesota Farmers Union; the Minneapolis Downtown Council; Citizens Utility Board Minnesota; the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office; the Minnesota Large Industrial Group; LIUNA Minnesota & North Dakota; Vote Solar and CenterPoint Energy.
The panels will explore how utility costs affect people, businesses, agricultural and industrial customers; how affordability should be defined and measured; what is driving changes in utility costs; and where existing tools and approaches may fall short.
“Whether you are the head of your household, a farmer or a small business owner, we understand that keeping your utility bill as low as possible is essential. That’s why we’re taking the time to listen. We want to hear varying perspectives and get input from local and national experts about what affordability means to them and what they believe could make a difference,” said Commission Chair Katie Sieben. “While the Commission is the state’s economic regulator for our investor-owned utilities, this isn’t just about what the Commission can do. We need to look at the full range of options – including actions that utilities, the Governor, the Legislature and the federal government could take to keep bills as low as possible. Energy is an essential service, and we need everyone’s help to keep it affordable.”
Public input is critical
The informational sessions are one part of the Commission’s broader effort to hear from Minnesotans. Public comments are being accepted through October 16, 2026, and are a critical part of the investigation.
The Commission wants to hear how rate-regulated electric and natural gas costs affect people and businesses, how Minnesotans define affordability and what changes they believe could make a difference.
The Commission will use the sessions, public comments and other stakeholder input to develop a report with practical recommendations. Those recommendations could identify actions for utilities, the Commission, the Governor, Legislature or federal government to improve affordability.
Informational session details
What: How Customers View Affordability
When: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Where: Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place E., Suite 350, St. Paul (Small hearing room)
Livestream: The session will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Due to limited space at the Commission, members of the public are encouraged to participate by livestream when possible. Livestream link: PUC calendar
Two additional informational sessions will be held as part of the investigation. Dates and topics will be announced as they are finalized.
Additional information, including participation options and docket materials, is available on the Commission’s website.
About
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.
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