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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says rebuilding Baltimore's Key Bridge will be challenging and expensive. An Alabama Democrat flips a state legislature seat and former Connecticut senator Joe Lieberman dies at 82.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

MN Commerce: Xcel's Rate Hike Request Doesn't Add Up

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Monday, March 25, 2013   

ST. PAUL, Minn. - State officials say Xcel Energy's math doesn't add up in the company's latest request for a rate hike. The utility is seeking an increase that would raise customer rates by 12 percent, or about 10 dollars a month on average.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce has analyzed the request and concluded it should be reduced dramatically. According to Commissioner Mike Rothman, one concern is that Xcel is underestimating its projected revenue.

"Another very major factor was the Xcel estimation for the proposed costs," he specified. "They were too high, overstated, and we took those into account and came up with what we believe is a more reasonably-priced alternative."

Xcel's overall request is for a base rate hike of $285 million. The Commerce Department believes that should be cut by 67 percent.

Xcel's Laura McCarten said the request was made to keep service safe and reliable for its 1.2 million customers in Minnesota.

"And as we go forward, we expect to be able to work with the Department of Commerce and other parties to try to get to constructive results and ultimately, get this before the Public Utilities Commission with a very thorough record, so it can make a well-informed decision," McCarten stated.

The Public Utilities Commission makes the ultimate decision on the rate increase figure, which is expected sometime this fall.

In addition to the reports from Xcel and the Commerce Department, the Commission will also consider public comment. So, groups such as the AARP are telling customers to weigh in, and Rothman said they do still have that option.

"They can go onto a website and submit written comments directly to the Public Utilities Commission, which is 'www.puc.state.mn.us', and it's important to do that sooner rather than later, to ensure full consideration."

The deadline to comment is March 31.

Xcel customers are already paying an extra 9 percent under an interim rate increase that took effect in January. If the PUC decides on a lower rate, customers would be refunded the difference.

Attorney General Lori Swanson wants to put stricter limits on that kind of practice, saying "rate hikes should not be automatic, even temporarily."

More information is at bit.ly/14e9E5L.




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