“I know some of the (energy assistance) vendors have been putting in for rate increases,” said Kendra Lund, MAHUBE-OTWA energy assistance program manager. “Some did not increase prices during COVID and now they are resuming that. We haven’t seen significant increases though. Usually, propane spikes in the fall and then evens out, but they’re projecting it’s not necessarily going to even out as low as normal.”
An employee of Shelgas in Park Rapids said propane is currently selling for $2.20 a gallon compared to $1.50 per gallon at this time last year.
Marketing and member services manager Nikki Torkelson with Itasca-Mantrap Cooperative Electrical Association said they are currently in its annual budgeting process. “All indicators are that our rates are going to remain stable,” she said. “We haven’t had a rate increase in three years. Other industries are looking at increases, but we’ve worked hard with our wholesale provider, Great River Energy, at keeping the rates stable.”
Members of Itasca-Mantrap also have two options for a lower rate: an off-peak program and a dual-fuel program.
A budget plan is available for those who heat with electricity because it averages out bills so the payment is about the same each month for those who sign up.
Members who are having difficulty making payments should contact the cooperative, even if they don’t qualify for energy assistance.
“The cold weather rule is in effect Oct. 1 through April 30, so we encourage our members to give us a call to work on arrangements,” Torkelson said.
The Cold Weather Rule (CWR) protects residential utility customers from having electric or natural gas service shut off between Oct. 1 and April 30.
The effective dates of the CWR were extended 15 days in the fall and 15 days in the spring by the Minnesota Legislature in 2021 after learning from tribal leaders about concerns that Minnesota’s changing climate was leading to cold spells earlier in fall and later in spring.
A CWR payment plan between residential customers and the natural gas or electric utility company is required in order to receive CWR protection. Payment plans can be established at any time during the CWR season. If the payment plan is broken, the natural gas or electric company is not required to offer additional arrangements. Both homeowners and renters are eligible for CWR protection.
For more information or assistance, visit mn.gov/puc/consumers/shut-off-protection or call the PUC’s Consumer Affairs Office at 651-296-0406.
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November 11, 2021 at 03:05AM
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