📈 Rising Energy Bills

Gas rate hike? In this economy?

You might have gotten an email like this one from Xcel Energy this week, notifying you that the company wants a rate increase on natural gas. Utility companies must get any rate changes approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). In this case, they’re asking the MPUC for a new rate that would result in an average 8.7% increase for consumers (or $7.11 a month). You may have already noticed your bill is a little higher; state law allows Xcel to temporarily increase its rates while MPUC considers its larger request. [Xcel Energy / KSTP]

• What they’re asking for: Xcel said it needs the money to safely and reliably operate its gas peaking plants (which run during high-demand times) in Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, and Maplewood. The company also said it’s updating its infrastructure and switching over to more efficient vehicles. The rate hike would net the company $63.40 million. [Xcel Energy]
• A pattern: Walker Orenstein reports this is the second time in three years Xcel has asked for a rate increase, an unusual frequency since the company has only requested it six times since 2004. Xcel also likes to point out that Minnesota consumers pay less for natural gas energy than the national average. [Star Tribune]
• Profit check: Specifically for its electric subsidiaries, Xcel reported profits higher than the industry average over the last two years. [Minnesota Reformer]
• Weigh in: You can attend a public hearing or submit a comment to MPUC about the rate hike.

Xcel Energy is a sponsor of City Cast Twin Cities. Sponsorships do not shape or dictate our editorial content.

Fake news: On Monday, the Facebook page for a fake St. Paul bluegrass band convinced people that all the band members had died in an airplane crash. Local music fan Kyle Matteson tied it back to a man named Todd Pitman, who claimed the ruse was part of an elaborate “mystery hunt.” [Pioneer Press]

Training center: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s administration is pitching a $38 million training and wellness center for first responders. Advocates say the training facilities need an update. Some council members are sharply criticizing the price tag. [KSTP]

Fresh bites: Midtown Global Market is getting vegan soul food and a new Somali restaurant. Trio Plant-Based and 7 Spices are expected to open on Friday and Saturday, respectively. [Bring Me The News]

That’s grim: On the prediction betting website Polymarket, people have bet over a million dollars on whether the federal agents who killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti will be charged by the end of the month. State lawmakers have introduced a bill that would ban betting of that kind. Polymarket and other prediction markets are able to get around gambling laws by tying bets to event outcomes. [Minnesota Reformer]

Next read: Minneapolis writer Louise Erdrich has a new book with 13 short stories, called “Python’s Kiss.” One of the stories takes place at Eat Street’s Rainbow Chinese. The launch event next week is already sold out. [Star Tribune]

Wednesday, Mar 18

• ♀️ International Women's Day | North Hennepin Community College
• 🎷 MMEA All-State Jazz Band | Dakota
• 😂 Emily Wilson | The Parkway
• 🎻 Pablo Ferrández, cello | Ordway
• 🎭 Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope | Penumbra
• 📜 Preserving Minneapolis' Black History | Hennepin History Museum

Thursday, Mar 19

• 🧠 Neurodiversity Week | Bell Museum
• 👩🏿‍🍼 Mamas in Motion | Sabathani Community Center
• 😂 Good Camel Comedy Theater Presents: Oasis Laugh-Battle! | LUSH
• 🎤 Leslie Vincent Residency | Icehouse
• 🎸 SaltyDog with guest Lamellas | The Hook and Ladder
• 🐺 Hungry Like the Wolf - Preview | History Theatre

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• Marketing Portfolio Manager at Land O’Lakes | $123k - $185k per year
• Director of Talent Acquisition at City of Minneapolis | $146k - $173k per year
• Associate Social Media Lead at The Social Lights | $65k - $71k per year
• Advancement Manager at Loaves and Fishes | $55k - $60k per year