PUC Rules On February 2021 Storm Costs

(KNSI) – Minnesota’s Public Utilities Commission ruled Thursday on who should shoulder extraordinary costs related to a 2021 winter storm.

Natural gas producing states like Texas and Oklahoma were crippled by ice and cold in February of last year, causing prices to soar. Companies here scrambled to ensure adequate supplies, paying exorbitant rates that they planned to pass on to customers.

The PUC decision says over 90 percent, or $600 million, must be paid back. The average Minnesotan will be hit with a charge equal to roughly half their normal annual heating expense.

Xcel Energy and others initially asked to recover $660 million. The Citizens Utility Board has praised the board’s ruling.

Senior Regulatory Advocate Brian Edstrom says, “The PUC today stood with Minnesotans and sent a clear message to utility companies that consumers do not write a blank check for their energy service. Though Minnesotans were fortunate to receive reliable gas service during the February 2021 storm, the utilities spent millions more than they needed to on expensive gas, thinking that customers would foot the bill. The PUC today told them that this is unacceptable in Minnesota.”

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