Today marked the first of three session hosted by Minnesota regulators investigating rising gas and electric rates
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says rising utility rates severely impact households are already struggling to get by financially
"On the residential side, an increased utility bill could be a minor thing for some households," says Ellison, "but for so many others, It means foregoing essentials, food, transportation, important things."
Minnesotans are being asked to share how rising electricity and natural gas rates impact them as state regulators investigate utility rates which are regulated by the state.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison addressed the commission to further explain it's impact on small businesses.
"For a small business owner, an increase to utility bill could mean putting off hiring another part-time worker or investing in newer equipment. Some of these small businesses may be able to increase prices to absorb a utility rate increase, but they'll probably have to pass that increase off to consumers if they can."
The current Minnesota Public Utilities Commission investigation into energy affordability originally came about following some major public pushback over rising utility costs.
This was because many major investor-owned utilities companies in the state, have petitioned for substantial rate increases, citing in part the massive capital required to update aging local infrastructure.
The PUC will consider all of its findings and put them together into a comprehensive report for the Minnesota Legislature, recommending potential changes to curb prices next year.
Two more information sessions are scheduled for November 2nd and December 8th.
Minnesotans are being asked to share how rising electricity and natural gas rates impact them
Minnesotans are being asked to share how rising electricity and natural gas rates impact them
