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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota

@cubmn.bsky.social
117 followers 112 following 207 posts

The Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota (CUB) is a nonprofit advocate for our state’s utility consumers. We champion affordable, reliable, safe, and clean home energy for all Minnesotans. More at www.cubminnesota.org

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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with their utility bills, take a look at CUB’s Shutoff Guide, or contact us at 651-300-4701, ext. 9 or contact@cubminnesota.org. cubminnesota.org/shutoff-help
cubminnesota.org
Shutoff Help
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
CUB is disappointed by today's decision, and we will continue to advocate for affordable service and fairness between utility corporations and their ratepayers.   More below: cubminnesota.org/puc-affirms-...
cubminnesota.org
PUC affirms decision to increase Xcel’s authorized return
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Attorney General @keithellison.bsky.social and CUB petitioned the PUC to reconsider its decision on ROE, petitions that were supported by the MN Department of Commerce, a large industry group, and others. Today, the PUC denied our petitions.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
ROE is a key determinant of utility company profits and is part of the rate Xcel charges to its customers.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
The PUC today decided not to reverse its earlier decision to increase Xcel’s authorized return on equity. This past June, the PUC authorized Xcel to increase its electric company return on equity (ROE) from 9.25% to 9.6%, which is a significant factor in the rate increase ultimately approved.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
More on CUB's petition for reconsideration here: buff.ly/hIsnRoK
cubminnesota.org
AG, CUB ask PUC to reverse decision to increase Xcel’s authorized return
This article was updated on August 25 to note a response filed by the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Boosting Xcel’s ROE from 9.25% to 9.6% will cost Minnesotans tens of millions extra every year. As many Xcel customers struggle to keep up with their bills, we don’t think that an increase to Xcel’s profits is warranted. Here’s the link to watch the PUC’s hearing, beginning at 10am: buff.ly/DrH6t5s
minnesotapuc.granicus.com
https://minnesotapuc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?event_id=3734
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
🧵 This Thursday, the PUC will discuss petitions from CUB and the Office of @keithellison.bsky.social to reconsider increasing Xcel’s return on equity (ROE).
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
If you use electricity to heat your home in the winter, make sure you’re saving as much money as possible. Take a look at CUB’s guide to electric heat in the winter. 🔸 Check for special heating rates. 🔸 Make sure you’re not being charged sales tax. 🔸 Use your heating system efficiently.
cubminnesota.org
Electric Heat in Minnesota
A guide to saving money in the winter
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Thank you to Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith for urging the federal government to release Energy Assistance funding as quickly as possible. Energy Assistance is a lifeline to more than 100k Minnesota households from every corner of the state. www.smith.senate.gov/u-s-senators...
smith.senate.gov
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Push the Trump Administration to Release Heating Assistance Funds Before Winter - Senator Tina Smith
More than 100,000 Minnesota households relied on federal energy assistance last winter WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) and several colleagues are leading a bi...
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Congress has approved Energy Assistance funding for the 26-27 season, and Minnesota should receive its allocation later this fall. If you qualify, you can apply now for this essential relief. More about Energy Assistance and other financial assistance options on CUB’s website: buff.ly/xOMUkk3
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
CUB helped pass nation-leading ratepayer protection legislation in 2025 to make sure Minnesotans aren’t left footing the bill for data centers’ enormous power demand . Now, we’re focused on the implementing those protections at the MN PUC. More about data centers in MN: buff.ly/ibP6Ov7
cubminnesota.org
Data Centers in Minnesota
The expansion of the data center industry is top of mind for Minnesotans across the state. Today’s “hyperscale” data centers require massive amounts of electricity, and that means more power…
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
All Minnesota ratepayers are entitled to a payment arrangement that takes into account their financial situation and any extenuating circumstances. Statutory protections ensure consistent access to life-sustaining medical equipment. More on your rights as a consumer in MN below:
cubminnesota.org
Shutoff Help
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Thank you to the Office of @keithellison.bsky.social for ensuring Minnesota Valley customers have access to these protections.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
“The Attorney General’s Office reached a settlement on Sept. 9 with Minnesota Valley in the civil lawsuit the office originally brought against the cooperative after it discontinued electrical service to a now 70-year-old man in Yellow Medicine County.”
wctrib.com
Minnesota Valley, AG Ellison settle disconnection lawsuit
The Montevideo-based electric cooperative agreed to better inform customers of options to avoid disconnection and will forgive the remaining bill of a customer with a medical need for power.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
‼️ REMINDER: Your utilities can get disconnected in the winter if you don’t set up and keep up with a payment plan. Get familiar with the ins-and-outs of the Cold Weather Rule, payment arrangements, and utility shutoff policies on CUB’s website. More here: buff.ly/1DzH9b8
cubminnesota.org
What to know about past-due bills and shutoffs
The end of the Cold Weather Rule is fast approaching, which means certain protections against utility disconnections will no longer be available to residential households. If you or someone you know…
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Complaints from Xcel customers related to billing and customer service rose 450% from 2019-2024, and customers report ongoing issues. Share your experience today: bit.ly/your-xcel-st...
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
CUB's Olivia Carroll is presenting at the PUC this morning about utility conservation programs (ECO), including their benefits to Minnesota consumers. Watch here: minnesotapuc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer....
minnesotapuc.granicus.com
External Planning Meeting - 2026-09-22 - Review of ECO Triennials
Live and Recorded Public meetings of External Planning Meeting - 2026-09-22 - Review of ECO Triennials for Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
We know we’re only halfway through September, but winter has a way of sneaking up on Minnesotans. Take a look at our efficiency tips for the cold months and prepare yourself for your heating bill: cubminnesota.org/efficiency-t...
cubminnesota.org
Efficiency Tips
The cheapest and cleanest energy is the energy you don’t use. Improving the efficiency of your home can pay off multiple times over. Use the tips below to save money year-round.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🔗All about data centers in Minnesota on CUB's website: cubminnesota.org/data-centers...
cubminnesota.org
Data Centers in Minnesota
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
🔗Minnesota Power's proposed Electric Service Agreement for the Hermantown data center: efiling.web.commerce.state.mn.us/documents/%7...
efiling.web.commerce.state.mn.us
Security check · eFiling
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
CUB has reviewed Google's proposed contract for electric service for the Hermantown data center. We are asking for several changes to protect Minnesota Power ratepayers from costs and risks created by the data center. CUB's filing with the PUC here: efiling.web.commerce.state.mn.us/documents/%7...
efiling.web.commerce.state.mn.us
Security check · eFiling
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
🔗Link to the court decision: files.constantcontact.com/e679bf73901/...
files.constantcontact.com
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
BREAKING: The DC Circuit Court of Appeals has struck down a US Dept. of Energy "emergency" order requiring a Michigan coal plant to remain in operation, siding with ratepayer advocates and others. We'll have more info soon. news.bloomberglaw.com/environment-... 🔌💡
news.bloomberglaw.com
Court Rejects Federal Order Keeping Michigan Coal Plant Open
The Energy Department doesn’t have the authority to use emergency powers under federal law to block the closure of the J.H. Campbell coal-fired power plant in Michigan, the DC Circuit said Friday.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
🔹Are data centers driving up your energy bills? 🔹What’s the status of data center development in your utility’s service area? Take a look on CUB’s website: cubminnesota.org/data-centers...
cubminnesota.org
Data Centers in Minnesota
The expansion of the data center industry is top of mind for Minnesotans across the state. Today’s “hyperscale” data centers require massive amounts of electricity, and that means more power…
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
CUB is working hard to ensure that large data centers in MN don’t increase household energy bills. We just published a page on our website all about data center development. 🔹What protections do Minnesotans have when it comes to data center energy use? 🔹How will protections be implemented? -->
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Learn more about the PUC's investigation and share your story here: cubminnesota.org/investigatio...
cubminnesota.org
Investigation into Xcel Energy
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
If you've had trouble resolving incorrect Xcel bills, or had other problems with Xcel's customer service, your story can help state regulators understand what customers are experiencing, and can help to resolve the underlying problems.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
This is a severe example, but many Xcel customers have reported billing errors and customer service issues. After an alarming rise in complaints, the PUC has opened an investigation.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
"Every time I get a bill, I would call Xcel Energy, talk to them, the number they give you. Unfortunately, the people that try to help you are only looking at a computer screen." "It’s been frustrating. I think I’ve called nine times. They promised they would have a supervisor call every time."
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Terry Zeien, an Xcel customer in Lakeville, has had a hangar at Airlake Airport in Lakeville for more than three decades. His electric bill was typically around $40/mo. Starting in May 2025, his monthly bill skyrocketed - some months, higher than $10k. His total balance right now is more than $60k.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Set up a free bill consultation with CUB to get answers to any of your energy bill questions! Schedule a time here: cubminnesota.org/energy-bill-...
cubminnesota.org
Energy Bill Consultations
Over the course of 30 minutes, together we'll review your utility bills. We'll ask you questions about your home and habits to better understand how you use energy. We'll identify why you're paying…
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Key takeaways from Xcel’s latest earnings report: 🔹 Xcel earned $586 million in the second quarter of 2026, $142 million more than the same period last year 🔹 Earnings per share from Minnesota continue to increase More on Xcel’s earnings report on CUB’s website: cubminnesota.org/xcel-energys...
cubminnesota.org
Xcel Energy’s 2026 second quarter earnings up $142 million compared to 2025
Xcel earned $586 million in the second quarter of 2026—$142 million more than the quarterly earnings reported for same period last year—according to the company’s 2026 second quarter earnings report.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
If you can't reach a resolution w/ Xcel, you can contact the PUC's Consumer Affairs Office for assistance or reach out to CUB for guidance. Reach out to Consumer Affairs Office: mn.gov/puc/consumers/ Learn more & make a comment on CUB's website: cubminnesota.org/investigatio...
cubminnesota.org
Investigation into Xcel Energy
Have you ever received an incorrect bill from Xcel Energy? Have you had a poor experience with Xcel's customer service? Has it ever taken months to resolve an issue with Xcel? State regulators want…
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
‼️One note: Submitting a comment will not help directly address any ongoing issues or concerns you currently have w/ Xcel. If you have a problem w/ your Xcel bill or service, we encourage you to contact Xcel directly to attempt to resolve it. -->-->-->
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Your experience will help regulators understand what customers are dealing w/ & help hold Xcel accountable to Minnesota ratepayers. Visit CUB’s website at the link in the comments to learn more about the investigation & share your story today. -->-->-->
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
📆 Have you ever been issued an incorrect monthly bill from Xcel? 📞 Have you had trouble working with Xcel customer service? 📊 Have you had difficulties related to your billing or energy usage information? -->-->-->
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
🚨 The Public Utilities Commission has opened an investigation into Xcel Energy following an alarming rise in billing errors and concerns around customer service issues 🚨 -->-->-->
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
“The company reported more than $2 billion in earnings last year, and in every earnings report we see that those numbers go up,” said Levenson-Falk, the Citizens Utility Board’s executive director. “But ratepayers, on the other hand, are already struggling to afford electricity service.”
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Minnesota ratepayers have rights set by state law. Learn more about your rights and obligations as a utility customer. More about your rights on our website: cubminnesota.org/know-your-ri...
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Swing by the ECO Building at the State Fair on August 31 or September 4 to grab your CUB hand fan 😎 AND you can enter your name for a chance to win a brand new air purifier! #MinnesotaStateFair #GreatMinnesotaGetTogether #ecoexperience
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Take a look at this Q&A with CUB’s Outreach Director earlier this year for ways to reduce your energy usage and to better understand your rights and responsibilities as a utility customer who rents. cubminnesota.org/renters-guid...
cubminnesota.org
A renter's guide to utility bills in Minnesota
Do you rent your home? It may feel like you have less control over your utilities and energy use compared to a homeowner, but you still have options. CUB’s Communications & Administrative Intern Emma…
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Do you rent your home here in Minnesota? If you've been running an AC, chances are you’ve seen really high electric bills over the past few months.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Thank you to Anoka County Brotherhood Council for having CUB at Produce in the Park! ACBC is an essential resource for Anoka County residents, and we appreciate the opportunity to provide utility bill support. More about ACBC: www.acbcfoodshelf.com
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Reposted by Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota
Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General @keithellison.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Minnesotans shouldn’t have to pay more so a utility can boost its profits. That’s why I’m challenging Xcel’s rate increase and fighting to make sure Minnesotans—not corporate shareholders—come first. www.startribune.com/ellison-chal...
startribune.com
Ellison challenges Xcel rate increase as customer frustration surges
The new rates raise electricity costs by an estimated 5.8% compared with 2024. More than 8,600 public comments poured into the case.
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
CUB is so pleased to have Mettie Lee join the team as a full-time Program Coordinator! In this new role, she supports our Outreach and Communications work, and makes sure that CUB’s operations run smoothly. Learn more about Mettie from this Q&A published earlier this year: buff.ly/Cji8VAi
cubminnesota.org
Meet Mettie Lee, CUB's Outreach Intern
Welcome to the CUB team Mettie Lee, our new Outreach Intern. She joins the CUB team with a focus on health as she pursues a degree in Public Health Sciences at Hamline University. Mettie is jumping…
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Read the full letter from the MN Department of Commerce here: efiling.web.commerce.state.mn.us/documents/%7...
efiling.web.commerce.state.mn.us
Security check · eFiling
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The PUC should reverse its decision to set Xcel's ROE at 9.6% and set it no higher than 9.25%, saving Xcel ratepayers millions of dollars every year. More about CUB's reconsideration petition: cubminnesota.org/ag-cub-ask-p...
cubminnesota.org
AG, CUB ask PUC to reverse decision to increase Xcel’s authorized return
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
From MN DOC's letter: "In the first quarter of 2026, Xcel earned $556 million, up from $483 million the year before. Its customers, in stark contrast, have been finding it increasingly difficult to pay their utility bills."
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Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota @cubmn.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
From MN DOC's letter: "...despite Xcel’s protests, the record shows that it has been thriving financially under its previous return on equity. It raised its dividend for the twenty-third straight year."
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