Minnesota Power Proposes Plan to Resolve Rate Request in Response to Economic Challenges of COVID-19 - Seite 2

As a regulated electric utility, Minnesota Power must receive approval from the MPUC whenever changes in revenue and expenses require adjusting its rates. Today’s proposal reflects Minnesota Power’s concern that a lengthy rate process should not be a priority during the pandemic crisis.

The company has worked closely with various stakeholders on this proposal. Energy CENTS Coalition, Citizens Utility Board and IBEW Local 31 have already publicly stated their support for the resolution.

“Every Minnesota resident and business is looking for ways to navigate the current economic challenges and so is Minnesota Power,” Owen said. “This proposal will lower all customers’ bills from what they are paying this month, and we hope the MPUC acts quickly on our request.”

Minnesota Power has taken other actions to help residential and small business customers who are facing financial hardships and to protect all employees and customers from the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Immediate suspension of disconnections for residential and small business customers having financial difficulties.
• Pausing disconnection notices after the Department of Commerce changed documentation guidance for crisis funding, removing these notices as a requirement to qualify.
• Prioritizing reconnections of previously disconnected customers and waiving reconnection fees during normal business hours.
• Waiving late payment fees.
• Offering flexible and extended payment plans for customers based on their unique financial circumstances.
• Suspending all non-emergency site visits that involve direct contact with a customer.
• Following CDC guidelines when entering a customer's home or business for emergency-related services only.

Despite the economic uncertainty, Minnesota Power sees no change in its EnergyForward strategy, which has significantly changed the way the company produces and delivers energy to its customers.

“We are still on pace to deliver half of our energy from renewable sources next year, as long as energy use remains fairly steady through the rest of the year,” Owen said.

Minnesota Power provides electric service within a 26,000-square-mile area in northeastern Minnesota, supporting comfort, security and quality of life for 145,000 customers, 15 municipalities and some of the largest industrial customers in the United States. More information can be found at www.mnpower.com. ALE-CORP

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