FIGHT UTILITY RATE INCREASES
Everyone should have access to affordable and diverse sources of electricity.
Yet two of Minnesota’s largest electricity providers want to raise their rates for residential customers—Xcel Energy by 21% and Minnesota Power by 18%. This would increase utility bills by an average of $140-$240 per year.
If approved by the Public Utilities Commission, these rate hikes would be a blow to lower-income communities. Already, 1 in 8 Xcel customers are behind on their bills.
With our current energy system, utility companies have monopolies. This lets them assert control over the market and prioritize the needs of their investors over their customers.
As people of faith and conscience, we need to fight these utility rate increases. This is not only about unreasonable and unfair rates. It’s a climate justice issue with energy equity at its core.
Join the fight for energy democracy and say NO to utility rate increases!
Utility Service Areas
Take Action
Advocacy with the PUC
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is charged with reviewing utility requests. They truly want to hear from Minnesotans and have all citizens be part of their decision-making process
The public comment period is closed for Minnesota Power, but you still have a say on the Xcel Energy rate case!
Submit a Written Comment
Submit a comment about the Xcel rate case online, by email, or by postal mail. Make sure you reference docket 21-630.
- Fill out the PUC's online form (scroll towards the bottom of the page)
- Email [email protected]
- Mail to Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place East, Suite #350, St. Paul, MN 55101
Attend a Public Hearing
Share your comment in person and hear from others.
- Tuesday, October 4 at 1:00 pm in Golden Valley - Brookview Golden Valley Community Center; meet in Bassett Creek North Room
- Tuesday, October 4 at 6:00 pm in Woodbury - Woodbury Central Park Community Center; meet in Valey Creek Room A
- Wednesday, October 5 at 6:00 pm in Red Wing - Red Wing Ignite
- Thursday, October 6 at 6:00 pm in St. Cloud - Courtyard by Marriott
Follow the Cases
Use the PUC's eDockets system to view documents filed in the cases. Minnesota Power's docket number is 21-335; Xcel Energy's is 21-630. Click here to subscribe and receive email notifications of any new document filings. These include public comments!
Get More Involved
Fill out this form if you're interested in any of these opportunities to get more involved!
Join the Energy Revolution Team
Be part of a statewide team that helps plan events and activities, digs into the issues, and grows the movement for energy democracy.
Door-Knock in Minneapolis or St. Paul
Let residents know how to prepare for and fight against Xcel's rate increase. Training provided.
Host a House Party
Gather a group together to talk about the rate increase and guide people in writing to the Public Utilities Commission. We provide training and supplies. This is an easy and fun activity!
Schedule an Energy Democracy Workshop
Invite MNIPL to lead an online or in-person workshop for your faith/spiritual community on energy democracy and why fighting utility rate increases is a critical climate justice issue.
Upcoming Events
Resources
Current status of Minnesota Power's case: The administrative law judge will issue their report on September 1. The PUC will issue their order setting final rates on November 30.
Watch the recording of the August 2 community connector webinar about energy equity and the proposed rate hikes.
Read a press release issued by MNIPL and other environmental groups opposing Minnesota Power's rate hike.
Get highlights of 11 issues with Minnesota Power's case. Many of these also apply to Xcel Energy!
Have Questions?
- Xcel Energy rate case and the energy democracy campaign overall—Kristel Porter, [email protected]
- Minnesota Power rate case and energy equity issues specific to northeastern Minnesota—Bret Pence, [email protected]