Energy bills are going up, but we can work together to push back

Friends and Neighbors,

Xcel Energy is raising electric rates by about $210 million over two years. For a typical household that's roughly $5.60 more a month, around $67 a year, on top of what you already pay.

Xcel earned about $2 billion companywide last year, and at least $1 billion every year going back to 2015. Its Minnesota rates have climbed at roughly twice the rate of inflation since 2005. In June, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved another increase. But now they’re being asked to reconsider by the Citizens Utility Board and the Attorney General.

The PUC is accepting public comment until August 30. I’ll be submitting an open letter to the PUC about the effect this proposed rate increase would have on citizens in Faribault. It would be helpful to me to be able to include stories and information from my neighbors. Please fill out this survey and tell me how the proposed rate increase would affect your household. The survey can be completely confidential.

The Citizens Utility Board is a small nonprofit that exists to represent residential ratepayers in proceedings most people don’t pay attention to. They are up against a company clearing a billion dollars a year. It is a real toehold for everyday people but it is not nearly enough. This isn’t an issue that will resolve itself. We must make change happen.

The Public Utilities Commission has to make a final decision by October 19, so we have until then to draw attention to the issue. That is why I am hoping you will fill out and share this survey. It can be completely confidential.

If you've fallen behind on a bill or felt the squeeze of paying for basic necessities, I want to hear from you. Your story will help me better advocate on behalf of our community.

Please share this far and wide.

-Sam Temple

Candidate for Rice County Commissioner District 3