News Releases RSS | Minnesota Department of Commerce http://mn.gov/commerce en-us Commerce Department and AARP remind households: final day to apply for State’s Energy Assistance Program is May 31 Mon, 20 May 2013 13:11:10 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-60266 SAINT PAUL, MN —The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources wants low-income Minnesotans—especially seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children—to know that grant funds are still available to help pay their heating bills from the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Commerce Department Settlements on Life Insurance Accounts Top $1.1 Million and Add Consumer-Protection Changes Fri, 17 May 2013 12:58:04 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-60254 SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Commerce recently took action against Lincoln National Life Insurance Company and Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company due to alleged current or former practices that automatically enrolled consumers into retained asset accounts – without providing beneficiaries with the option to decide whether they wanted life insurance proceeds placed in such accounts which may not have been suitable for the beneficiary or paid in one lump sum cash payment upon the death of policy holder. Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman Announces $14 Million settlement with Prudential on Unclaimed Death Benefits Wed, 15 May 2013 12:12:05 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-59825 SAINT PAUL, MN – Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman signed a Resolution and Regulatory Settlement Agreement with Prudential Insurance Company today to ensure payment of due and payable proceeds from life insurance policies, annuity contracts, and retained asset accounts to Minnesota beneficiaries, and strengthened procedures to make sure policy holders and beneficiaries receive the unclaimed proceeds from these policies and contracts in a timely manner in the future. Commerce Department Announces Important Information about Process and Timeline for Developing an MCHA Transition Plan Thu, 02 May 2013 14:08:14 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-59093 SAINT PAUL, MN – In light of the 2014 implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the Commerce Department announced today key information regarding the process for assessing the need for, and developing a transition plan for the Minnesota Comprehensive Health Association (MCHA), including a FAQ, timeline, and goals. It Pays To Understand the Different Roles of Financial Professionals Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:47:33 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-58955 SAINT PAUL, MN– In recognition Financial Literacy Month, the Minnesota Department of Commerce today reminds investors of the importance of understanding the distinctions between the various types of financial professionals. Rep. Atkins, Sen. Metzen, Commissioner Rothman to Hold Town Hall on Financial Issues for Minnesota Seniors Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:42:47 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-58742 SAINT PAUL, MN — State Representative Joe Atkins (DFL – Inver Grove Heights), Senator Jim Metzen (DFL – Inver Grover Heights) and Mike Rothman, Commissioner of the Department of Commerce, will hold a town hall to discuss financial issues for Minnesota seniors on Friday, April 26, 2013 from 9:00-11:00 AM. The town hall meeting will be held in Community Room 1 of the Veterans Memorial Community Center in Inver Grove Heights (8055 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077). Lieutenant Governor, Commerce Commissioner and Duluth Seniors team up to prevent fraud Wed, 24 Apr 2013 11:39:42 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-58677 DULUTH, MN — As part of Financial Literacy Month, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and Lieutenant Governor Yvonne Prettner Solon will convene a Senior Fraud Prevention Event in Duluth. Third Annual Financial Literacy Roundtable to be held on Wednesday Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:22:13 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-58640 SAINT PAUL, MN – Minnesota’s Financial Literacy Month highlighted the importance of ongoing financial education for Minnesotans from Kindergarten to retirement at nearly 40 consumer outreach events involving ten state agencies. Commissioner Rothman teams up with AARP to talk about elder fraud, financial abuse prevention Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:27:22 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-58537 SAINT PAUL, MN – Within this decade, there will be more Minnesotans over the age of 65 than children enrolled in our public schools. Senior citizens across the country hold the majority of the nation’s wealth and scam artists know it. As part of Financial Literacy Month, The Department of Commerce and AARP held a tele-town hall this morning for Minnesota’s seniors about the importance of protecting themselves from financial fraud. Celebrate Earth Day: Reduce your energy use Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:15:19 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-58507 SAINT PAUL, MN – In 1970, the first Earth Day mobilized 20 million Americans and launched the modern environmental movement. It rallied people from all walks of life and led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and passage of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. Online Course Prepares First-Time Buyers For Sustainable Homeownership Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:00:04 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-58353 Saint Paul, MN – As the homeownership market slowly improves in Minnesota and the spring buying market gets underway, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota Homeownership Center and Minnesota Housing Finance Agency want to remind potential buyers that information is the key to successful homeownership. April is Financial Literacy Month and the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota Housing and the Minnesota Homeownership Center announce the availability of a new online course that will help first-time homebuyers be successful homeowners Tue, 16 Apr 2013 12:40:31 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-58277 Announcement of the availability of Framework™, a revolutionary new online course that teaches the fundamentals of successful homeownership. The course is based on the award-winning Home Stretch curriculum that has taught tens of thousands of Minnesota families how to be successful homeowners over the last two decades Cold Weather Rule Protections End April 15, Energy Assistance Program funds are still available Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:13:50 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-58053 As Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule, administered by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, ends – the PUC and the Minnesota Department of Commerce urge consumers to act immediately to keep the heat on. Department of Commerce continues to recommend significantly smaller rate increases for Xcel Energy Fri, 12 Apr 2013 08:19:05 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-58171 SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Commerce Division of Energy Resources (DER) recommended today the reduction of over $195 million of the $285 million revised rate increase proposed by Xcel Energy for electric service in 2013, a reduction of 69 percent overall. Department of Commerce warns of salespeople pitching energy savings from radiant barriers Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:15:56 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-57936 The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources has issued an alert to consumers who are considering the purchase of radiant barriers in their attics. The Commerce Department, which has received recent reports of salespeople pitching the radiant barrier product in flyers and at free dinners throughout Minnesota, warns consumers that radiant barriers are not a cost-effective way to reduce heating or cooling loads in Minnesota. Minnesota Twins Team Up with Commerce Department to Hit a Homerun for Financial Literacy Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:08:10 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-57717 ST. PAUL, MN – Attention all Minnesota Kids in Grades 3-5. As Financial Literacy Month continues, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and Minnesota Twins mascot TC the Bear kicked off a statewide financial literacy essay contest today. ALL Minnesota kids in grades 3-5 are encouraged to participate. Minnesota High School Students Share the Importance of Savings and their Financial Literacy Savvy Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:42:43 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-57718 SAINT PAUL, MN – A staggering 220,000 or 4.1% of Minnesotans are "unbanked" and currently without access to a bank account. As part of Financial Literacy Month, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman visited Tartan Senior High School in Oakdale to tour the school's newly-opened branch of the Postal Credit Union, the first credit union branch entirely run by students, to promote the importance of youth savings and financial education. Minnesota High School Students Showcase Their Financial Literacy Savvy Wed, 03 Apr 2013 08:27:35 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-57620 SAINT PAUL, MN – As part of Financial Literacy Month, Commissioner Mike Rothman will visit Tartan Senior High School in Oakdale and attend peer-to-peer financial literacy presentations conducted by DECA students. He will then tour Tartan’s newly-opened branch of the Postal Credit Union, the first credit union branch to be entirely run by students. Commissioners Rothman and Cassellius join 4th and 5th grade kids at BizTown to promote youth financial literacy Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:53:49 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-57510 MAPLEWOOD, MN – To kick off Financial Literacy Month in Minnesota, Department of Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius and Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman teamed up today with students to learn about the importance of teaching financial education starting at a young age. The Commissioners visited Junior Achievement’s BizTown to highlight their mission to motivate and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy through hands-on civic, business, and financial experiences. Minnesota Department of Commerce celebrates Financial Literacy Month in April, Kicks Off Statewide Outreach Efforts Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:41:58 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-57361 The third week of Financial Literacy Month will focus on families and features a Virtual Town Hall. Commerce Commissioner reminds insurance agents to help Minnesotans prepare for the spring flood season Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:31:22 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-56667 SAINT PAUL, MN – As the snow and ice melt and we watch for the signal of a possible spring flood season, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman reminds all insurance professionals to emphasize the importance of preparation with their clients in order to protect themselves. Agents are strongly urged to reach out to their clients and the general public to inform them of the steps that can and should be taken now to address potential loss in the event of spring flooding. As part of National Flood Awareness Week, Commerce Commissioner reminds Minnesotans to inventory belongings ahead of the storm Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:23:35 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-56647 SAINT PAUL, MN – The first day of spring signals entry into severe weather season – floods, thunderstorms, and tornadoes. Minnesotans understand the volatility of weather, seeing record number of tornadoes in 2011 and an increased tornado season in 2012, beginning in March and ending in November. Commerce Commissioner enlists CPAs to stop financial abuse of seniors this tax season Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:22:47 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-56586 Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, for the second year, issued a letter to more than 9,000 licensed CPAs in Minnesota, to urge tax professionals to use their expertise to help spot elder fraud and financial abuse. State’s Energy Assistance Program funding is still available to help pay heating bills Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:10:56 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-56457 SAINT PAUL, MN —The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources wants low-income Minnesotans—especially seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children—to know that grant funds are still available to help pay their heating bills from the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Commerce Commissioner orders “Profitable Sunrise,” to stop selling securities in Minnesota Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:13:20 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-56431 SAINT PAUL, MN – Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman ordered Profitable Sunrise and its operators, Roman Novak and Radoslav Novak, and Minnesotans William Nilsson (a/k/a Chad Nilsson) and Casey Dorian, today to cease and desist from selling securities in the State of Minnesota. The Minnesota Department of Commerce Urges Families to Sign Up for Dangerous Product and Toy Recall Alerts Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:56:44 -0500 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-56229 SAINT PAUL, MN – Concern over hazardous chemicals in children’s products and toys has grown in the past several years. In order for Minnesota families to stay informed of potentially dangerous products, the Minnesota Department of Commerce urges parents to stay vigilant about product and toy safety, and hazardous chemicals, and to sign up for product recall alerts. Department of Commerce warns consumers to take caution when shopping online for payday loans Fri, 08 Mar 2013 13:00:33 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55808 SAINT PAUL, MN – Payday lending, short-term consumer loans have nearly doubled in the past five years, reaching a high of 350,000 in 2011. Minnesotans may turn to payday-lending companies to make ends meet during difficult economic times, the Department of Commerce urges consumers to beware if committing to a payday loan online. As drought continues, Commissioners Rothman and Frederickson urge farmers to review crop insurance needs Fri, 08 Mar 2013 09:29:09 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55788 SAINT PAUL, MN – Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson and Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman today issued a consumer alert encouraging Minnesota farmers to consider purchasing crop insurance ahead of this year’s growing season. The standard deadline for purchasing crop insurance is right around the corner. Farmers must finalize a crop insurance plan with their insurance agent by March 15. Minnesota Customers Must Act To Keep Lifeline and TAP Telephone Discounts Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:19:49 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55744 St. Paul, Minnesota - The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and the Minnesota Department of Commerce want to make sure that telephone customers are aware that they must act to continue to receive the benefits of certain telephone discount programs they may have been receiving. Commerce Commissioner reminds consumers to protect themselves from identity theft Thu, 07 Mar 2013 10:07:26 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55743 SAINT PAUL, MN – As part of National Consumer Protection Week, the Minnesota Department of Commerce warns consumers to protect themselves against identity theft. Minnesotans who suspect they might be victims of identity theft should act quickly to minimize the damage to their credit reports and lessen financial losses. The Minnesota Department of Commerce urges consumers to review flood insurance needs Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:54:29 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55741 SAINT PAUL, MN — As winter conditions turn to spring melting, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is reminding Minnesota homeowners to determine if they may need flood insurance coverage. Flood damage is not covered under a standard homeowner's policy. Minnesota Department of Commerce proposes bill to increase clean energy generation in Minnesota Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:03:47 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55661 Legislation would update net-metering statute and establish solar electricity generation standards. Many homeowners face ice dam problems Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:01:28 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55660 With the mix of snow, thaws, and freezing temperatures, ice dams are once again rearing their ugly heads for homeowners. The Minnesota Department of Commerce Celebrates Weights and Measures Week: March 1-7, 2013 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:05:53 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55626 SAINT PAUL, MN – Consumers and businesses in Minnesota often forget that their confidence in buying goods depends on accurate scales and measures that ensure consumers get what they pay for, and businesses compete on a level playing field. This is all due to the diligence of state weights and measures inspectors. The Minnesota Department of Commerce – Weights and Measures Division and the National Conference on Weights and Measures celebrates these public servants each year with Weights and Measures Week, March 1-7. Minnesota Department of Commerce Celebrates 15th Annual National Consumer Protection Week Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:50:38 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55623 SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Commerce is joining state agencies across the country, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the IRS, the FBI, advocacy organizations like the Better Business Bureau, and private sector groups nationwide to celebrate National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 3-9, 2013. Department of Commerce recommends significantly smaller rate increases for Xcel Energy Fri, 01 Mar 2013 07:37:09 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55488 SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources (DER) recommended today the reduction of over $191 million of the $285 million rate increase proposed by Xcel Energy for electric service in 2013, a reduction of 67 percent overall. Xcel provides electric service to over 1,227,768 customers largely in the Twin Cities and the southern half of Minnesota. The Department concluded that the recommended reductions of 67 percent will be sufficient for Xcel to provide safe, reliable service by making needed improvements to distribution, transmission and generation facilities. Commerce Department warns consumers to beware of phishing scams – don’t take the bait! Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:14:53 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55403 SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Commerce’s name is currently being misappropriated in a phishing scheme related to the Unclaimed Property Program. The emails reported to the Commerce Department use the subject line “Heritage”, and are written in Slovenian urging relatives of “Andrew Novak” or other unknown relatives to claim their inheritance. The Minnesota Department of Commerce joins University of Minnesota Extension during America Saves Week to promote savings at a young age Wed, 27 Feb 2013 12:45:43 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55368 SAINT PAUL, MN – As part of America Saves Week 2013, scheduled for February 25 – March 2, The Minnesota Department of Commerce, in partnership with the University of Minnesota Extension, is spreading the saving message and urging Minnesotans to participate in America Saves Week. Financial literacy, including saving and spending habits, decision making skills, and how to be a smart consumer, are often topics discussed at the kitchen table - by parents. These are tools, however, that prepare youth for life-long successful financial decision making. Commissioner Rothman to speak, read to students at Shakopee University of Minnesota Extension event recognizing America Saves Week Tue, 26 Feb 2013 13:19:10 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55311 Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman will read “Less Than Zero,” by Stuart Murphy to 4-H students in grades K-5 at Shakopee Sweeney Elementary on Wednesday, February 27th from 3:50 to 4:30 PM. He will join the University of Minnesota – Extension to commemorate America Saves, a nationwide partnership dedicated to helping individuals save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. Forgery, identity theft, and insurance fraud charges filed against former lawyer, “trustee” of estate Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:31:35 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-55306 Formal charges have been filed in Ramsey County District Court on allegations that Saint Paul and Spooner, WI resident Linda A. Brost committed a litany of offenses, including insurance fraud, theft by swindle, aggravated forgery, and identity theft. This morning, the Department of Commerce Insurance Fraud Division, assisted by the St. Paul Police Department, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and Washburn County (WI) Sheriff’s Office, executed search warrants at Brost’s St. Paul and Spooner, Wisconsin residences. Commerce orders Virginia Surety Company to return over $88,000 to Minnesotans and pay civil penalties Tue, 19 Feb 2013 09:26:34 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-54996 SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced today that Minnesota consumers may qualify for a refund if they purchased travel insurance from Virginia Surety Company (VSC), or one of its contracted agencies, between January 1, 2007 and October 31, 2012. The announcement came after the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Missouri Department of Insurance issued a joint consent order alleging that VSC routinely required consumers to affirmatively “opt-out” of purchasing premium travel insurance packages, violating numerous state laws and regulations. Commerce Commissioner orders former Safe Money Radio personality to stop selling securities in the State of Minnesota and pay a $300,000 civil penalty Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:26:25 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-54924 The Minnesota Department of Commerce took action against Rodd after receiving a complaint in January from a resident of the Redwood Falls area who had not been repaid as promised for his investment. The Commerce Department’s investigation found that four southwestern Minnesota residents who were solicited by Rodd were senior citizens, one of whom had been suffering from dementia at the time of investment; and two investors who claim to have invested their entire retirement savings – one of whom literally invested virtually all the proceeds from the sale of his farm. Spring Break? The Commerce Department urges consumers to beware of “opt-out” travel insurance Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:41:39 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-54814 SAINT PAUL, MN – Spring Break is fast approaching and countless Minnesotans are searching for a fun and, more importantly, warm destination. These days, all it takes to book your dream Spring Break vacation is a travel website and a few clicks of the mouse. As you shop online, the Minnesota Department of Commerce reminds consumers to watch out for travel companies and websites that don’t fully advertise their travel insurance packages and sometimes sign consumers up for coverage without proper consent. Minnesota Department of Commerce Recognizes Insurance Fraud Awareness Week Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:24:24 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-54783 SAINT PAUL, MN –To raise awareness, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is highlighting Insurance Fraud Awareness Week, February 11-15, 2013. Insurance fraud costs an average family about $950 a year, and insurance companies and consumers across the United States an estimated $80 billion a year, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman announces changes in leadership team Mon, 04 Feb 2013 07:17:55 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-54572 SAINT PAUL, MN – Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman announced a recent change to the Minnesota Department of Commerce leadership team. “I am pleased to announce the promotion of Tim Vande Hey to Deputy Commissioner of the Insurance Division for the Commerce Department,” said Commissioner Mike Rothman. “With his extensive experience in insurance regulation - from mergers and acquisitions, to examinations, liquidations, and rehabilitations – Tim’s leadership at the Commerce Department is an asset to Minnesota consumers and the insurance industry.” Minnesota Department of Commerce alerts consumers – be wary of fake telecom invoices Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:29:42 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-54443 The Minnesota Department of Commerce recently received reports from small business owners in the state who had received suspicious invoices from companies claiming to have provided their telecommunication services. Department of Commerce – Minnesota on track to meet state’s Renewable Energy Standard requirements Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:21:40 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-53910 SAINT PAUL, MN – All 16 of the utilities subject to the Minnesota Renewable Energy Standard have demonstrated compliance with the 2011 requirements and are on track to comply with 2012 goals, according to a report released this month by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources. The report is entitled Progress on Compliance by Electric Utilities with the Minnesota Renewable Energy Objective and the Renewable Energy Standard and is prepared for the Minnesota Legislature once every two years. Businessman wrecks Lamborghini, city park, faces insurance fraud charge Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:01:18 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-53587 David Norman Juntunen, 40, of Minneapolis was arrested Wednesday following a 10-month investigation by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Minneapolis Park Police. Juntunen is the owner of Top Gear Autoworks in Minneapolis, which repairs and stores high-end luxury and sports cars. Pamela Jean Dupont, 41, of Minneapolis was also charged with insurance fraud and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Minnesota solar electric installations achieve strong growth Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:02:42 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-52969 SAINT PAUL, MN – New Minnesota solar electric installations in 2012 nearly tripled in capacity compared with 2011, according to figures compiled by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources. Commissioner Rothman Offers Tips for Holiday Motorists Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:22:23 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-51182 SAINT PAUL, MN – This holiday season, millions of Americans will pile into their vehicles and travel considerable distances to visit family and friends. With recent weather projections predicting snow the next few weeks, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman has issued a consumer alert, providing tips to help consumers stay safe and insured on Minnesota roads this winter. ‘Tis the season to practice energy efficiency Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:06:00 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-50958 SAINT PAUL, MN – Taking energy efficiency seriously this holiday season can be the start of an energy- and money-saving tradition for many holidays to come. The Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources suggests replacing traditional incandescent decorative lights with high-efficient LED bulbs, one of many ways to conserve energy during the holidays. Nationwide Insurance security breach estimated to affect 98,191 Minnesota households Fri, 14 Dec 2012 09:29:42 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-50917 SAINT PAUL, MN – As the Nationwide data breach reaches approximately 1.1 million affected consumers across the country including 98,191 Minnesotans, the Minnesota Department of Commerce reminds Minnesotans the need to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from becoming victims of identity theft. Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman announces addition to leadership team Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:20:13 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-51028 SAINT PAUL, MN – Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman announced an addition to the Minnesota Department of Commerce leadership team. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Nancy Leppink as Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement for the Commerce Department,” said Commissioner Mike Rothman. “With her strong commitment to public service, having served in leadership positions at both the state and federal levels, Nancy will lead our enforcement staff to protect consumers and ensure fairness in Minnesota's regulated markets.” Commerce Department Opens Investigation into Long Distance Service Fees and Surcharges Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:19:19 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-50911 SAINT PAUL, MN – Monthly or per-minute rates? Minnesota consumers shopping for long-distance providers often base their decision on the advertised monthly or per-minute rate to get the best deal for their budget. Many consumers are not aware of discretionary surcharges that could be added to their monthly bills. These fees can exceed two dollars a month per customer, and since the fees are not incorporated into the basic service rate, customers may be misled and competing long distance providers may be at a disadvantage. Governor’s Task Force on Broadband releases Annual Report and Broadband Plan Wed, 12 Dec 2012 12:42:04 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-50814 SAINT PAUL, MN – After twelve months of statewide meetings to gather information on the best practices and action steps Minnesota can take toward achieving border-to-border broadband access, the Broadband Task Force has issued its Annual Report and Broadband Plan for Governor Dayton’s consideration. Commissioner Mike Rothman to advocate for Minnesota investors on the national stage Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:14:03 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-51022 SAINT PAUL, MN – Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman has been appointed to the Federal Legislation Committee of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). This position will provide Commissioner Rothman the opportunity to weigh in on NASAA’S national pro-investor legislative agenda. The Minnesota Department of Commerce reminds travelers to explore travel insurance options when planning holiday vacations Tue, 04 Dec 2012 07:24:33 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-50192 SAINT PAUL, MN – 91.1 million Americans plan to travel this holiday season. Those who plan to travel via plane will be presented with the option to buy travel insurance upon the purchase of their airfare. Many consumers do not know whether travel insurance fits their budget or their travel needs. The Minnesota Department of Commerce urges travelers to understand what travel insurance is, what it actually covers, and what conditions to watch out for. Commerce Department warns Minnesotans as ice dam season approaches Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:07:22 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-50015 ST. PAUL, MN – With many predicting that Old Man Winter will return with vengeance this year, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is expecting ice dams to be back in force. In preparation, the Department is urging Minnesotans to take action now to prevent ice dams and halt what can become a costly home repair issue. Governor’s Task Force on Broadband to meet in Bloomington Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:41:34 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-49975 SAINT PAUL, MN – The Governor’s Task Force on Broadband will hold a public meeting in Bloomington, Minnesota at the Bloomington City Hall in the Haeg Conference Room on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Commerce Department takes leading role in $41 million nationwide settlement agreement Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:37:45 -0600 Minnesota /commerce/media/newsdetail.jsp?id=206-49972 ST. PAUL, MN – Commissioner Mike Rothman announced that a Regulatory Settlement Agreement has been entered into with National Union Fire Insurance Company (NUFIC), an AIG Company.