 After nearly 2 years, the St. Paul City Council is back in chambers. While we are still keeping an eye on Covid numbers and practicing safety protocols, it's been exciting to be together again. For public hearings, we invite you to testify in person but still offer other options for those of you who would prefer that route. We are energized and ready to bring some much needed vitality back to downtown Saint Paul.
 Don't miss out on all the fun activities surrounding the Saint Paul Winter Carnival! There are so many activities for you to enjoy including the Ice Carvings on display in Rice Park.
Completed carvings may be viewed throughout the Winter Carnival.
This signature Winter Carnival event returned as blocks of ice were transformed into beautiful masterpieces. Endless photo opportunities are available in Rice Park with the completed creations.
Both team and individual ice carving competitions are guided by a strict set of rules, requiring artists to utilize their best creative thinking. Additionally, competitor’s sculptures must be consistent with a sketch that was proposed and selected by the Selection Committee.
The final designs can be viewed throughout Rice Park during the 10 days of Carnival (January 28-February 6, 2022).
 With higher natural gas prices, customers can take some easy steps to save.
With colder temperatures on the way this week, Xcel Energy offers a range of tips and programs to help customers save on their energy bills. Xcel Energy enourages customers to reach out if they’re having trouble paying their energy bills, so they can help with payment plans or connect them to energy assistance programs that can help. There is a nationwide increase in the cost of natural gas, due to supply and demand pressures. Xcel Energy purchases natural gas at wholesale, and the cost of the natural gas provided to customers and used to generate electricity is passed along to customers without markup. With these higher natural gas prices, an average customer who uses the same amount of energy this winter as last winter will see an increase in their bills.
Take steps to save
While natural gas continues to be the most affordable way to heat a home, with prices higher than usual, it’s a good time to consider ways to conserve energy during the heating season. Here are ways customers can save energy and money this winter:
- Lower your thermostat a few degrees.
- Adjust your programmable thermostat to automatically lower the temperature while you are away or while you sleep.
- During daylight hours, open drapes and blinds to maximize heat from direct sunlight. To retain heat, keep them closed when it is dark.
- Run ceiling fans in a clockwise direction to push warm air down from the ceiling, adding comfort and savings.
- Keep interior doors open to help circulate air more freely and maintain constant heating levels.
Customers are encouraged to contact Xcel Energy if you're having trouble paying your bill. They can provide options like payment plans and energy assistance programs. Customers can learn more about energy assistance programs and resources on the website or by calling 1-800-895-4999.
Come visit us downtown or schedule a Lake Lap. We are hoping to be back at the Rice Street Library for Community Office Hours the first and third Tuesdays of every month, beginning Feb 15th; 4:00-5:30. If you’re not ready for humans quite yet, we understand, but do drop an email (ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us) or give us a call (651) 266-8650 or write to us (Suite 320-A, City Hall, 15 W. Kellogg Blvd., Saint Paul, MN 55102-1615) to stay connected. We love hearing from the community.
Warmly,
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