Gas Affordability Program Approved in MN

As part of a rate case for CenterPoint Energy, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has approved a new Gas Affordability Program to help income-eligible customers pay their natural gas bills. The MPUC approved an annual revenue increase of approximately $26 million for the utility, of which $5 million per year will fund the program, which will be a four-year pilot.

The program is designed so that participants will pay no more than 6 percent of their income for their gas bill and it includes arrearage forgiveness.  It will be targeted to LIHEAP recipients who have a poor payment history and a high level of arrears. The Energy CENTS Coalition, a St. Paul nonprofit which intervened in the rate case, will administer the program.  About 6,000 households are expected to be enrolled.

More information is available on the state’s website, enter the year 2005 and docket number 1380.

Source: Energy CENTS Coalition, MPUC

Page Last Updated: April 19, 2007