Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Approves Xcel Energy’s $17.5 Million Payment Plan Credit Program

St. Paul, Minnesota —The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) continues overseeing safeguards aimed at mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Minnesotans struggling with their utility bills. On March 11, 2021, the Commission voted to approve Xcel Energy’s $17.5 million Payment Plan Credit Program. This proposal will provide a credit towards past-due bills for residential customers who establish and maintain a payment plan and owe balances on their accounts of between $1000 and $4000 dollars.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in August 2020, the PUC enhanced a series of consumer protections , and issued a disconnection moratorium for rate-regulated utilities. The Payment Plan Credit Program is intended to help prevent service disconnections and offer relief to customers who have accumulated large past-due balances throughout the pandemic.

Commissioner Sullivan said, “This Payment Plan Credit Program will help consumers who have fallen significantly behind on their bills and provide relief to Xcel Energy costumers facing economic challenges because of COVID.”

Residential customers eligible for this program will receive a 75 percent bill credit toward their balance. Twenty-five percent will be provided as an upfront credit and the remaining 50 percent will be applied in equal monthly credits over a period of up to 11 months, if consumers do not miss more than 2 consecutive monthly payments.

Chairwoman Sieben said, “We understand why Minnesotans may have fallen behind on their utility bills. If you are an Xcel customer, please call the utility to set up a payment plan and ask if you qualify for other available programs that will help you catch up on past-due bills.”

The Commission urges consumers with overdue balances, or large energy bills to call their utility as soon as possible to explore all available assistance options. Minnesotans who might need extra help, should check eligibility for heating assistance, or other assistance programs administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce in partnership with service providers located throughout the state. Call 1- 800-657-3710, and press 1, or go online: Commerce Department Energy Assistance Program . Consumers can also contact the PUC Consumer Affairs Office at 651-296-0406, or 1-800-657-3782. Email at consumer.puc@state.mn.us.

About

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas and telephone service. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional, and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc

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