Posts Tagged ‘Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’
Got Heat and Electricity?
By MARY ELLEN KALUZA Can you imagine life without electricity and heat? During a Minnesota winter we’d be going to bed at 4 pm in December and sleeping under a pile of smelly bear skins. We take our access to electricity and heating for granted, but there is a lot happening on the other side of our utility meters that impacts the what, where, and how we get that access. Regulation Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is charged with regulating policies, rates, and services for utilities like electricity, natural gas, and landline phone service. This includes approving rate increases for our energy. The PUC members are appointed by the governor and their responsibilities are determined by state law. Most of the regulated utilities are for-profit entities whose purpose is to maximize return to stockholders - like CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy. You can imagine, then, the pressure they exert on the PUC to allow rate increases. Learn more about the PUC at: [...]
Xcel Energy Letter to South Minneapolis State to Hold Public Hearing on Hiawatha Project
By Betty Mirzayi, Hiawatha Project Manager The Hiawatha Project is entering another regulatory phase and, once again, we are asking you to get involved. Recently you and your neighbors received a postcard about upcoming meetings involving this project. We encourage you to participate and offer your input on this very important investment in your community”'s electric infrastructure. On Wednesday, February 10, the Office of Energy Security will hold a public meeting and comment session on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The statement can be viewed at the following Web site: For information about the public meeting and how you can submit your comments in writing visit. The need for the Hiawatha Project is driven by increases in population, increased use of consumer electronics and other electrical devices, and economic growth in south Minneapolis. The existing infrastructure that serves these homes and businesses is not adequate to meet the current and [...]
