Contact: Minnesota Public Utilities Commission

Robert Harding
651-201-2237

Jerry Dasinger
651-201-2235

Fax:
651-297-7073

St. Paul – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) is holding a series of public hearings to hear what customers have to say about CenterPoint Energy’s proposed rate increase. CenterPoint Energy has asked the MPUC for permission to increase its natural gas rates. If approved by the MPUC, the proposed new rates will result in an overall increase in revenue of $59.8 million, or approximately 4 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 natural gas you typically use. The MPUC is expected to make its decision in January 2010.

Public hearings have been scheduled so that customers may have an opportunity to present their views regarding CenterPoint Energy’s recently filed natural gas retail rate case (MPUC Docket No. G008/GR-08-1075 and OAH Docket No. 12-2500-20147-2). Any CenterPoint Energy customer or other person may attend to provide comments at the hearings. You are invited to comment on the adequacy and quality of CenterPoint Energy’s service, the level of rates or other related matters. You do not need to be represented by an attorney. CenterPoint Energy customers are strongly encouraged to attend one of these hearings.

Tuesday July 14, 1:30 pm & 6 pm Wednesday, July 22, 6 pm
Coon Rapids Mankato/North Mankato
Coon Rapids Civic Ctr, Council Chambers South Central Technical College, Room E-125
11155 Robinson Dr. N 1920 Lee Blvd N. (Park in Blue lot, Door 15)

Wednesday July 15, 6 pm Thursday, July 23, 6 pm
Minneapolis Alexandria
Sabathani Community Center Alexandria Technical College,
Conference Room D-2 1601 Jefferson St., Auditorium 205, Main Bldg
310 E. 38th St

Tuesday, July 21, 6 pm
Bloomington
Bloomington Ctr for the Arts, Rehearsal Hall
Bloomington Civic Plaza, North Entrance
1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd.

Written comments may be sent to Administrative Law Judge Steve M Mihalchick, Office of Administrative Hearings, PO Box 64620, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55164-0620. Comments must be received by August 14, 2009. Written comments are most effective when the following three items are included: (1) the issue in CenterPoint Energy’s proposal you are addressing; (2) your specific recommendations; and (3) the reason for your recommendations. Please be sure to reference docket number OAH 12-2500-20147-2 and MPUC docket number G008/GR-08-1075 in all correspondence.

All comments become part of the official record in this case and are considered public information. 

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 1075 in the number field, click on Search and the list of documents will appear on the next page.