Public hearings planned on Xcel Energy’s proposed rate increase

The citizens has a chance to weigh in on Xcel Power s proposed rate increase at upcoming hearings across the state in September If state regulators approve Xcel s rates would rise by this year and another in generating a total of about million Xcel is Minnesota s largest electric utility with about million electric customers in the state It says it requirements the increase to improve the reliability of its electric system add clean strength projects invest in its nuclear plants and prepare for the expected surge in demand for electricity We are committed to meeting our state s growing demand for electricity maintaining reliable institution working toward a cleaner vigor future and keeping costs low for our customers Xcel mentioned in a comment Consumer advocates say the higher rates would affect Minnesotans already struggling to pay higher electric bills along with rising costs for groceries housing and other expenses We are seeing selected real red flags right now that I think indicate that any rate increase is going to be formidable for a lot of Xcel households to bear mentioned Annie Levenson-Falk executive director of the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota Those red flags include Xcel reporting more customers falling behind on payments or even having their system disconnected than in previous years she mentioned If Xcel s proposal is approved the utility estimates its typical residential customer will see their electric bills increase by about per month The company says it s expanding enrollment in its ability assistance programs and making it easier for customers to qualify Xcel customers already have been paying higher temporary rates while state regulators are debating its full request If the Residents Utilities Commission approves a final rate that s lower than the interim amount customers will receive a refund The Minnesota Citizens Utilities Commission has scheduled populace hearings on the proposed rates beginning Monday night in Stillwater Others are planned for St Cloud St Paul Faribault Edina Minneapolis and Welch