PUC APPROVES CUSTOMER BILL RELIEF

St. Paul, Minnesota —The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) approved $9.6 million in refunds to Xcel Energy’s electric service customers. $2.9 million will be allocated to the PowerOn Program to provide discounted electricity service to qualifying individuals. The remaining funds will be split between commercial and industrial customers as credits on their bills.

“As Minnesotans face financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that we target relief to those that need it most” said Commission Vice Chair Joseph Sullivan. “Leveraging this funding will help Minnesotans in need while also providing refunds to other Xcel ratepayers.”

Xcel Energy’s PowerOn Program provides bill payment assistance to customers enrolled in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Currently, the PowerOn program participants pay three percent of their household income towards their electricity bills. Additionally, the program offers a balance forgiveness option for eligible ratepayers.

Xcel Energy received the funds as part of a settlement reached with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, utilities-such as Xcel Energy, were required to enter into contracts with the DOE to manage the disposal and storage of spent nuclear fuel from the Prairie Island and Monticello nuclear plants. However, the DOE never accepted the spent fuel, and the waste is currently being stored by Xcel Energy. The DOE settlement reimburses Xcel Energy and its customers for these storage costs.

About

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

Please contact Will Seuffert, 651-201-2217 or will.seuffert@state.mn.us if you have any questions.

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