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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Why do utility bills keep going up, and what are we actually paying for? This podcast from COPAL MN breaks down how utility rates are set, what charges are on your energy bills, and important resources for households during winter to keep the heat on. ow.ly/K2rE50ZTaZG

ow.ly

Understanding Your Utility Bill: Costs, Energy Burden & Minnesota’s Energy Future

Radio Jornalera MN · Episode

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

“A hot kitchen doesn’t really exist with induction… It keeps our bills down and keeps the staff happier, not sweating away at the stoves all day.” At work, or at home: induction is just better. Read more via The Guardian. ow.ly/fSo250ZQZUo

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Back in May, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency projected 12 to 16 days of wildfire smoke over the course of the summer in Minnesota. Wildfire smoke is becoming more common, forcing us inside. Minnesotans need homes built for today’s problems. Read more: ow.ly/1FSU50ZQZjF

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Because renters often have little control over their appliances, Minnesota’s utility rebates need to account for the health impacts of gas appliances and prioritize solutions that make homes healthier for everyone. Read more MinnPost: ow.ly/GclL50ZPMXX

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

The MN PUC had a chance to end LEAs and save Minnesota gas customers millions of dollars each year. But it instead chose to expand the fossil fuel system, raise gas bills, and delay a transition to cleaner, more affordable energy.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

An unfair, outdated policy known as line extension allowances (LEAs) lets gas utilities charge existing customers for the cost of expanding gas pipelines to new customers. Each year, in Minnesota, LEAs cost customers $34 million annually.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Members of the Clean Heat Minnesota coalition are gearing up to engage in Minnesota's FIRST gas Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Engaging in Xcel Energy's gas IRP marks the latest big opportunity for shaping the future of gas in Minnesota. cleanheatmn.org/press-releases

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Methane gas bills are becoming pipeline bills. A recent analysis shows about two-thirds of the average residential gas bill now goes to infrastructure, not fuel. As homes use less gas, customers could be left paying more for pipes they rely on less. Listen below.

volts.wtf

How to phase out residential gas equitably

Panama Bartholomy and Kristin George Bagdanov explain why neighborhood-level "chunky decarbonization" is the key to a fast and fair transition.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Thermal energy networks can help cities modernize heating & cooling w/out expensive and polluting gas. MinnPost highlights two geothermal projects that could heat & cool more than 1k homes, public housing units, community space & industrial buildings.

minnpost.com

This supersized heat pump will heat and cool a whole St. Paul neighborhood

One of the country's largest networked geothermal energy systems is under construction at The Heights.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

“Everyone now knows electrification makes sense.” As gas prices surged in Europe, one Austrian installer saw record heat pump and solar sales in March and April. The demand is clear: households want cleaner technologies that can lower bills and cut reliance on volatile cost of fossil fuels.

nytimes.com

How Energy Prices Are Driving Demand for Solar Panels and Heat Pumps

Already having faced an energy crisis five years ago, more European consumers believe they are “one Trump-ignited war away” from crushing costs.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Fossil fuel prices keep proving the same point: households need better options than being exposed to global oil and gas shocks. Heat pumps, solar, and efficient electric technologies are becoming tools for lower bills and more energy resilience.

nytimes.com

How Energy Prices Are Driving Demand for Solar Panels and Heat Pumps

Already having faced an energy crisis five years ago, more European consumers believe they are “one Trump-ignited war away” from crushing costs.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Earlier this month, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission delayed action to cut $34 million in gas utility charges for Minnesota customers by ending the costly "line extension allowances" policy. Thanks to MinnPost for covering this important issue!

minnpost.com

Minnesota kicks the can on gas line extension allowances

Minnesota utility regulators this month set new rules governing how the state’s gas utilities bring service to new customers.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Fossil gas use in buildings is declining, but utilities are still spending billions on pipelines built to last for decades. David Roberts breaks down how states can protect customers by comparing new pipe spending w/cleaner options that can meet the same needs.

volts.wtf

How to phase out residential gas equitably

Panama Bartholomy and Kristin George Bagdanov explain why neighborhood-level "chunky decarbonization" is the key to a fast and fair transition.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Heat pumps scale beyond homes, “that’s part of what makes this project exciting.” In St. Paul, The Heights will heat & cool roughly 1,000 homes & 1M sqft of light industrial space, while Mount Airy could bring geothermal to 300 public housing units.

minnpost.com

This supersized heat pump will heat and cool a whole St. Paul neighborhood

One of the country's largest networked geothermal energy systems is under construction at The Heights.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

“The Future of Gas proceeding is a critical opportunity to reimagine and build an affordable, clean energy system, which is why I’m disappointed the Commission chose not to end the unfair policy of line extension allowances," said Natalie Cook, Clean Heat MN. cleanheatmn.org/press-releases

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

MN GreenCorps is accepting applications for 58 AmeriCorps member positions for the next program year. Members serve with local governments, tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions to help communities increase resilience to climate change. Applications are due June 16!

pca.state.mn.us

Minnesota GreenCorps

The Minnesota GreenCorps program, coordinated by the MPCA, aims to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals.

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Reposted by Clean Heat Minnesota

MPR News @mprnews.org · 27/05/2026

Xcel Energy customers will be paying more in gas rates this year, according to the independent nonprofit group Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota.

mprnews.org

Xcel customers to see gas rates increase by nearly 5 percent

Advocates say that higher gas rates will make it tougher for those struggling to already pay for other rising costs like groceries and gasoline.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

ICYMI, Clean Heat Minnesota and COPAL were on 5 Eyewitness News last week to talk about "line extension allowances" that allows gas utilities to charge existing customers for the cost of adding pipes to serve new customers. This practice is costing MN gas utility customers $34 MILLION ANNUALLY.

kstp.com

Minnesota regulators to decide whether gas customers should keep paying for new gas lines

Minnesota utility regulators could decide on June 4 whether to change a decades‑old policy that shifts the cost of new natural gas lines onto existing customers.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

"Roseville resident Scott H. told KSTP-TV had no idea he was helping pay for new gas lines." MN has the opportunity to end the outdated, costly practice of “line extension allowances” that allow gas utilities to charge existing customers for the cost of adding pipes to serve new customers.

kstp.com

Minnesota regulators to decide whether gas customers should keep paying for new gas lines

Minnesota utility regulators could decide on June 4 whether to change a decades‑old policy that shifts the cost of new natural gas lines onto existing customers.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

On June 4, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will convene to make a decision on the future of gas utility line extension policies. Clean Heat Minnesota coalition urges the MNPUC to end this outdated practice costing gas utility customers $34M annually. cleanheatmn.org/press-releases

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

One way utilities generate profits is through line extension allowances—a $34M policy that allows gas utilities to charge customers for the cost of adding pipes to serve new customers. Learn more: cleanheatmn.org/the-hidden-3...

cleanheatmn.org

The hidden $34 million in Minnesota gas bills: Line Extension Allowances - Clean Heat Minnesota

As families across Minnesota struggle with gas bills, utility costs continue to rise.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home. A new report from @RMI found upgrading to heat pumps could save households an average of $1,530 a year while reducing pollution and lowering strain on the grid. Read more: grist.org/buildings/am...

grist.org

American homes need heat pumps, not space heaters

Ultraefficient heat pumps need to replace more than gas furnaces. They have to replace inefficient space heaters as well.

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Reposted by Clean Heat Minnesota

Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

🔌💡 What does it take to upgrade your home energy? Check out our interview with Sarah, a homeowner who took on home energy projects to improve her home’s efficiency and comfort, while reducing her monthly bills:

cubminnesota.org

Home Energy Stories: “This is what I can do.”

In 2025, CUB sat down with Sarah Scherschligt to hear about her experience making energy improvements to her recently purchased home. We hope sharing stories like Sarah’s can help others think ahead…

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

And now Xcel is asking for another gas rate hike, its third in just six years. Minnesota families deserve better than rising bills and record CEO pay. Are you in Xcel’s gas service area? Sign up for our in-person public comment writing workshop here: bit.ly/XcelGasHike

bit.ly

Upcoming Events - Clean Heat Minnesota

UPCOMING EVENTS May 6 | Xcel Energy Gas Rate Case Public Comment Writing Workshop Come join Clean Heat Minnesota and Third Act Minnesota for an in-person public comment workshop about Xcel Energy’s cu...

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

All while Minnesota families are being disconnected from utility service, and thousands are behind on their payments due to Xcel's profit passing.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Xcel even allows Frenzel to use the company jet for personal use up to 100 hours annually, despite the company stating that it does not “provide unusual or excessive perquisites.”

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Clean Heat member @energyandpolicy.org olicy found utility CEOs made over $626 MILLION in 2025. This includes Xcel’s Robert Frenzel, whose pay jumped to $16 million, more than a $3 MILLION increase in just one year.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

@energyandpolicy.org : Utility CEOs are earning MILLIONS while thousands of customers across the country fall behind on their utility bills.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

As the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission weighs Xcel’s latest proposal, let’s take a close look at what’s behind these rising costs and who’s really benefiting.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

While Minnesotans struggle with high gas bills, Xcel Energy is: - Pulling in record profits - Giving its CEO a 23.7% raise - Pushing for its third gas rate increase in just six years ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

We’ll break down the gas rate hike proposal, hear from Third Act’s Dave Mann, and help you draft your own testimony. Come for the training, stay for the community and food. Register here: bit.ly/XcelGasHike

bit.ly

Upcoming Events - Clean Heat Minnesota

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Are you in Xcel’s gas service area? Want to push back? Join our in-person workshop on May 6 at Riverview Public Library in St. Paul to learn how to write and submit effective comments to the Minnesota PUC. ➡️

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Xcel Energy is pushing yet another gas rate hike, and once again, customers are footing the bill, funding part of a $16M salary and a private jet. ➡️

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Utilities are spending millions to expand pipelines, and customers will be paying the price for decades. Meanwhile, more homes are switching to efficient electric options. Now, Xcel wants another gas rate hike to expand its pipes.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

In 2024, the typical Minnesota residential gas customer used 23% less gas than five years earlier, yet total bills went up 32% over the same period. For many in Minnesota, gas bills are going up, but demand for gas isn’t.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

Are you one of Xcel’s gas customers? Help us tell the Minnesota Star Tribune to deny Xcel’s gas rate hike proposal that would increase utility bills by $85/year. Sign up for our in-person public comment writing workshop here: bit.ly/XcelGasHike

bit.ly

Upcoming Events - Clean Heat Minnesota

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

@startribune.com: Between salary, bonuses, and stock awards, Xcel Gas CEO Robert Frenzel’s total compensation in 2025 is $16 million, nearly $4 MILLION MORE from his $11 million package in 2024. Meanwhile, families across Minnesota are struggling to make ends meet.

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Reposted by Clean Heat Minnesota

Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Last month, CUB’s Outreach and Communications Manager James Birr spoke before the Public Utilities Commission and shared the stories of Minnesotans struggling with their utility bills. Energy affordability isn’t just a buzzword - it’s a reality for countless Minnesotans across the state.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Energy CENTS Coalition and @cubmn.bsky.social launched a fund to provide support for families in need. Visit the link in our bio for more information or to make a donation.

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

The unusually cold winter didn’t help, and for many immigrant families, accessing help isn’t simple. “They asked for a lot of information…too much,” Maria said about applying for energy assistance. ➡️

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Clean Heat Minnesota @cleanheatmn.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

@sahanjournal.bsky.social: Maria, a Minnesota mother of three, owes over $400 in utility bills after her family stayed home during increased ICE activity this winter. Utilities are often the third-largest household expense after housing and groceries. ➡️

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