"Where Fillmore County News Comes First"
Online Edition
Friday, May 24th, 2013
Volume ∞ Issue ∞
- 11:44:26, May 21st 2013 - airmaxs52274 - Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your a ... [Read More]
- 5:56:33, May 18th 2013 - modgudur - I guess the child is anti-gun control since Obama went to all that trouble ... [Read More]
- 9:27:41, May 16th 2013 - caal girl - Nice outfit on you. I loved some of the dresses but am holding my breath ... [Read More]
- 2:03:34, May 14th 2013 - - Thanks for sharing the trip with us! ... [Read More]
- 4:12:01, May 9th 2013 - Amanda Ziebell - Wow! Thanks to the Fillmore County Journal for this kind story. For a ... [Read More]
- 11:47:30, May 7th 2013 - EW - ramble.....ramble.....ramble..... ... [Read More]
- 10:25:25, May 7th 2013 - Thunder6 - Great article! I love to see the Youth of Fillmore County receiveing acco ... [Read More]
- 6:52:10, May 6th 2013 - Jason Sethre, Publisher of Fillmore County Journal & Olmsted County Journal - Maryh, ... [Read More]
- 7:29:56, May 5th 2013 - maryh - Where are OCJ's available for pickup...other than at the new office? ... [Read More]
- 2:41:47, May 3rd 2013 - Remark1976 - Mrs. Buckbee, I just looked up Senate File 796 and in it there are said p ... [Read More]
Minnesota energy natural gas final rates drop, small refund to follow in March 2010
Mon, Feb 15th, 2010
Posted in Business Announcements
Posted in Business Announcements
Comments
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has approved new final natural gas rates effective January 1, 2010, for customers of Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation ("MERC"), a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group (NYSE: TEG). The new rates will average from $0.35 to $0.68 per month less than interim rates granted earlier in October 2008 that residential customers are currently paying, depending on the customer's location. The final rates differ because MERC has four different rate zones throughout Minnesota, and because average customer use varies throughout the state.
However, the new final rates do reflect an increase of about $3.56 to $5.23 monthly over rates in effect prior to October 2008. The increase is due to rising costs for safety and reliability infrastructure improvements made by Minnesota Energy Resources.
Still, the company expects customers to pay nearly 20 percent less in heating costs this year due to lower costs for the natural gas commodity.
"We're expecting a typical residential customer using 71 therms of natural gas monthly will see a savings of more than $100 from last year's heating costs, based on normal temperatures this year," said Ann Carlon, senior external affairs manager for Minnesota Energy.
"Several factors are influencing the current lower prices of natural gas," said Carlon. "There is good supply and a relatively mild entry into the winter heating season helping to hold down demand for natural gas. This is good news for customers, especially in this difficult economic climate. We'll also make a small refund to customers."
Refunds for individual customers will vary by their actual usage during the interim period, but typical customers will receive refunds between $10 and $25. The refund is being made because the final approved rate increase was lower than the interim rate increase that went into effect in October 2008. The refund reflects the amounts over-billed for each customer, plus interest, and will be shown as a credit on customer's March 2010 bills.
However, the new final rates do reflect an increase of about $3.56 to $5.23 monthly over rates in effect prior to October 2008. The increase is due to rising costs for safety and reliability infrastructure improvements made by Minnesota Energy Resources.
Still, the company expects customers to pay nearly 20 percent less in heating costs this year due to lower costs for the natural gas commodity.
"We're expecting a typical residential customer using 71 therms of natural gas monthly will see a savings of more than $100 from last year's heating costs, based on normal temperatures this year," said Ann Carlon, senior external affairs manager for Minnesota Energy.
"Several factors are influencing the current lower prices of natural gas," said Carlon. "There is good supply and a relatively mild entry into the winter heating season helping to hold down demand for natural gas. This is good news for customers, especially in this difficult economic climate. We'll also make a small refund to customers."
Refunds for individual customers will vary by their actual usage during the interim period, but typical customers will receive refunds between $10 and $25. The refund is being made because the final approved rate increase was lower than the interim rate increase that went into effect in October 2008. The refund reflects the amounts over-billed for each customer, plus interest, and will be shown as a credit on customer's March 2010 bills.