While Minnesotans had reliable power to stay safe and warm during the past stretch of unseasonably cold weather, natural gas prices dramatically spiked over the past week due to national demand issues. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has called a special planning meeting on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 to investigate this matter.

The Department of Commerce represents Minnesota ratepayers before the PUC on issues of energy resources and will be presenting to the Commission on the economic impacts of these commodity price fluctuations.

Minnesota natural gas local distribution companies (LDC’s) have been called to answer questions about the natural gas prices spike, how this will affect customer bills, the extent customer service was affected, and additional questions to assess economic impact for Minnesotans. The companies invited to present include Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources, Great Plains Natural Gas and Greater Minnesota Gas.

EVENT DETAILS:

Public Utilities Commission Special Planning Meeting

February 23, 2021 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Online Webcast Information available at www.mn.gov/PUC

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For Minnesotans having issues with their utility service:

· Contact Department of Commerce Energy Assistance Program: Call 800-657-3710, and press 1, or visit the Commerce Department’s Energy Assistance Program online, or,

· Contact the PUC Consumer Affairs Office at 651-296-0406, or 1-800-657-3782. Email at consumer.puc@state.mn.us.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Mo Schriner, Director of Communications, Department of Commerce
651-363-1227 | mo.schriner@state.mn.us

Will Seuffert, Executive Secretary, Public Utilities Commission
651-201-2217 | will.seuffert@state.mn.us

About the PUC:

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy; electricity, natural gas and telephone. 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

About the Department of Commerce:

Wherever you are in Minnesota, the Department of Commerce is with you every day. Whether you’re filling up on gas, purchasing a home, working to reduce energy consumption or rebuilding after a disaster—we are with you, no matter what. The Minnesota Department of Commerce oversees more than 20 regulated industries, ensuring that Minnesota businesses are strong and Minnesota consumers are protected. Our mission is to protect the public interest, advocate for Minnesota consumers, ensure a strong, competitive and fair marketplace, strengthen the state’s economic future and serve as a trusted public resource for consumers and businesses. Learn more at mn.gov/commerce.

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