Contact: Public Utilities Commission 

Deborah Motz
Telephone: 651.296-0406 

Fax: 651.297.7073

St. Paul – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) is continuing to hold a series of public hearings to hear what customers have to say about Xcel Energy’s proposed rate increase. Xcel Energy has asked the MPUC for permission to increase its electricity rates. If approved by the MPUC, the proposed new rates will result in an overall increase in revenue of $156 million, or approximately 6 percent annually. The amount of increase for individual customers will depend on whether you are a residential, small business or some other customer classification and how much electricity you typically use. The MPUC is expected to make its decision by October 23, 2009. 

Public hearings have been scheduled so that customers may have an opportunity to present their views regarding Xcel Energy’s recently filed electric retail rate case (MPUC Docket No. E002/GR-08- 1065 and OAH Docket No. 3-2500-20148-2). Any Xcel Energy customer or other person may attend to provide comments at the hearings. You are invited to comment on the adequacy and quality of Xcel Energy’s service, the level of rates or other related matters. You do not need to be represented by an attorney. Xcel Energy customers are strongly encouraged to attend one of these hearings. 

Thursday, April 23 
Mankato
Intergovernmental Center
Minnesota River Room
10 Civic Center Plaza 

Tuesday, April 28
St. Cloud  
Whitney Senior Center
Olson Room
1527 Northway Drive

Wednesday, April 29
St Paul
MPUC, Metro Square Building
3rd Floor, Large Hearing Room
121 7th Place E

Written comments may be sent to Administrative Law Judge Kathleen D. Sheehy, Office of Administrative Hearings, PO Box 64620, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55164-0620. Comments must be received by May 15, 2009. Written comments are most effective when the following three items are included: (1) the section of Xcel Energy’s proposal you are addressing; (2) your specific recommendation; and (3) the reason for your recommendation. Please be sure to reference docket number OAH 3-2500-20148-2 and MPUC docket number E002/GR-08-1065 in all correspondence. Customers may also provide comments to the MPUC. 

All documents, including the original filing are available through the MPUC’s website at www.puc.state.mn.us, select Search eDockets, select 08 in the year field, enter 1065 in the number field, click on Search and the list of documents will appear on the next page.