Energy CENTS is working to pass several bills that will help low-income energy consumers. You can read the text of these bills and follow their progress by entering the bill numbers in the Minnesota State Legislature's Bill Search page.
| Bill Number | Authors | Description |
| HF 3368, SF 3081 | Rep. Slocum, Sen. Doll | Utilities to restore service within 24 hours after accepting a payment agreement. All payment agreements to consider financial circumstances of the household |
SF 3311 |
Sens. Rosen, Anderson, Dibble, Prettner-Solon |
Establishes carry-over money to pre-purchase propane in the summer for Energy Assistance customers to use during the heating season. |
SF 3184 |
Sens. Rosen, Prettner-Solon Rep. Hilty |
Establishes cold-weather protections for delivered fuel customers |
Gas Affordability Programs Approved
In the first few months of 2008, The Minnesota Public Utilties Commission approved gas affordability programs for Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation and Interstate Power & Light. These utilities' natural gas customers who receive LIHEAP can now qualify for credits toward their current bills and arrears when they make regular monthly payments
The programs were required by a law that ECC advocated for in the 2007 legislative session. The state's largest gas utility, CenterPoint Energy began its program last year. ECC helped establish CenterPoint's program as part of a settlement in a natural gas rate case. The programs were based on an affordability program ECC helped design for Xcel electric customers.
ECC requests reconsideration in IPL transmission case
On February 27, 2008, ECC filed a request for reconsideration to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. The Commission approved the sale of Interstate Power & Light's transmission assets to ITC Midwest LLC, an independent transmission company. The entire gain on the sale - $326.5 million - would go to IPL shareholders and jurisdiction over future rates would be transferred from the Minnesota PUC to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) had recommended against the transaction. ECC, along with the Office of Attorney General (OAG), the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Municipal Utility Coalition had argued against the transaction. After the ALJ decision, the Department of Commerce and the Municipal Utilities settled with IPL and ITC. ECC and the OAG have both filed for reconsideration. To read material regarding this case, go to e-dockets and enter docket number 07-540.
Energy CENTS Coalition * 823 East 7th Street * (651) 774-9010