Did you know cooking with a gas stove can release harmful pollutants into your home? On COPAL Radio, Ayada Leads and Clean Heat MN experts discuss the health impacts of gas cooking and how electric and induction stoves offer cleaner alternatives. Listen here: https://ow.ly/B6uW5100ZpP

Ever deal with drafty windows, expensive heating bills, or wildfire smoke? The executive leadership team of the MnEBC tell Duluth News Tribune, “Energy efficiency isn't a luxury. It's a practical necessity for safer, healthier, and more affordable homes.” Read more: https://ow.ly/co0h5100Ze9

Local View: Smokier, hotter summers changing how homes are built in Minnesota

From the column: "The buildings we build today will stand through decades of cold winters, hot summers, and smoky days. Building for those conditions is ... about serving Minnesotans responsibly."

ow.ly

RMI - Rocky Mountain Institute's Ryan Shea tells CBS an 18% electricity rate reduction can be realized through widespread heat pump adoption, leading to massive savings and nearly a 30% reduction in carbon pollution. Want to learn more? https://ow.ly/iPTV5100enw

Heat pumps could save the average Minnesota household $230 a year. Here's how

Rising energy bills have Minnesota households looking for ways to save.

ow.ly

Blazing summers, smoky skies, and freezing winters are changing how we build our homes. In a new op-ed for Duluth News Tribune, the team behind the Minnesota Efficient Builders Coalition explains why energy efficiency and resiliency matter more than ever. https://ow.ly/xmKK5100Z5v

Did you know cooking with a gas stove can release harmful pollutants into your home? On COPAL MN Radio, Ayada Leads and Clean Heat MN experts discuss the health impacts of gas cooking and how electric and induction stoves offer cleaner alternatives. Listen here: https://ow.ly/OiCA50ZY1Y4

Have you heard? Heat pumps can lower bills for ALL Minnesotans, even if you don’t install one. A new study by RMI - Rocky Mountain Institute finds widespread heat pump adoption could lower electricity rates by 18%, saving households an average of $230 a year. Learn more: https://ow.ly/GFa35100ebF

“About a third of our households are paying more for energy than what’s considered affordable,” says Ecolibrium3's Cameron Kadlubowski. On COPAL MN Radio, Cameron and other energy experts break down rising utility bills and ways Minnesotans can save. Listen here: https://ow.ly/kA6R50ZY1Hz

Utility Bills & Pipe Infrastructure Costs

Join us Tuesday, September 8, at 10 AM for a conversation about uti...

ow.ly

Are you wondering why your monthly utility bill has gone up? From utility rate increases to the cost of maintaining energy infrastructure, there’s a lot behind your monthly bill. Hear from COPAL MN on what drives costs up and how households can save. Listen here: https://ow.ly/CKk850ZY1hX

Why do utility bills keep going up, and what are we actually paying for? This podcast from COPAL MN breaks down how utility rates are set, what charges are on your energy bills, and important resources for households during winter to keep the heat on. https://ow.ly/K2rE50ZTaZG

Understanding Your Utility Bill: Costs, Energy Burden & Minnesota’s Energy Future

Radio Jornalera MN · Episode

ow.ly

“A hot kitchen doesn’t really exist with induction… It keeps our bills down and keeps the staff happier, not sweating away at the stoves all day.” At work, or at home: induction is just better. Read more via The Guardian. https://ow.ly/fSo250ZQZUo

Back in May, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency projected 12 to 16 days of wildfire smoke over the course of the summer in Minnesota. Wildfire smoke is becoming more common, forcing us inside. Minnesotans need homes built for today’s problems. Read more: https://ow.ly/1FSU50ZQZjF

Because renters often have little control over their appliances, Minnesota’s utility rebates need to account for the health impacts of gas appliances and prioritize solutions that make homes healthier for everyone. Read more MinnPost: https://ow.ly/GclL50ZPMXX

An unfair, outdated policy known as line extension allowances (LEAs) lets gas utilities charge existing customers for the cost of expanding gas pipelines to new customers. Each year, in Minnesota, LEAs cost customers $34 million annually.

Members of the Clean Heat Minnesota coalition are gearing up to engage in Minnesota's FIRST gas Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Engaging in Xcel Energy's gas IRP marks the latest big opportunity for shaping the future of gas in Minnesota. https://cleanheatmn.org/press-releases/

Methane gas bills are becoming pipeline bills. A recent analysis shows about two-thirds of the average residential gas bill now goes to infrastructure, not fuel. As homes use less gas, customers could be left paying more for pipes they rely on less. Listen below.

How to phase out residential gas equitably

Panama Bartholomy and Kristin George Bagdanov explain why neighborhood-level "chunky decarbonization" is the key to a fast and fair transition.

volts.wtf

Thermal energy networks can help cities modernize heating & cooling w/out expensive and polluting gas. MinnPost highlights two geothermal projects that could heat & cool more than 1k homes, public housing units, community space & industrial buildings.

This supersized heat pump will heat and cool a whole St. Paul neighborhood

One of the country's largest networked geothermal energy systems is under construction at The Heights.

minnpost.com

“Everyone now knows electrification makes sense.” As gas prices surged in Europe, one Austrian installer saw record heat pump and solar sales in March and April. The demand is clear: households want cleaner technologies that can lower bills and cut reliance on volatile cost of fossil fuels.

How Energy Prices Are Driving Demand for Solar Panels and Heat Pumps

Already having faced an energy crisis five years ago, more European consumers believe they are “one Trump-ignited war away” from crushing costs.

nytimes.com

Fossil fuel prices keep proving the same point: households need better options than being exposed to global oil and gas shocks. Heat pumps, solar, and efficient electric technologies are becoming tools for lower bills and more energy resilience.

How Energy Prices Are Driving Demand for Solar Panels and Heat Pumps

Already having faced an energy crisis five years ago, more European consumers believe they are “one Trump-ignited war away” from crushing costs.

nytimes.com

Earlier this month, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission delayed action to cut $34 million in gas utility charges for Minnesota customers by ending the costly "line extension allowances" policy. Thanks to MinnPost for covering this important issue!

Minnesota kicks the can on gas line extension allowances

Minnesota utility regulators this month set new rules governing how the state’s gas utilities bring service to new customers.

minnpost.com

Fossil gas use in buildings is declining, but utilities are still spending billions on pipelines built to last for decades. David Roberts breaks down how states can protect customers by comparing new pipe spending w/cleaner options that can meet the same needs.

How to phase out residential gas equitably

Panama Bartholomy and Kristin George Bagdanov explain why neighborhood-level "chunky decarbonization" is the key to a fast and fair transition.

volts.wtf

Heat pumps scale beyond homes, “that’s part of what makes this project exciting.” In St. Paul, The Heights will heat & cool roughly 1,000 homes & 1M sqft of light industrial space, while Mount Airy could bring geothermal to 300 public housing units.

This supersized heat pump will heat and cool a whole St. Paul neighborhood

One of the country's largest networked geothermal energy systems is under construction at The Heights.

minnpost.com

“The Future of Gas proceeding is a critical opportunity to reimagine and build an affordable, clean energy system, which is why I’m disappointed the Commission chose not to end the unfair policy of line extension allowances," said Natalie Cook, Clean Heat MN. https://cleanheatmn.org/press-releases/

MN GreenCorps is accepting applications for 58 AmeriCorps member positions for the next program year. Members serve with local governments, tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions to help communities increase resilience to climate change. Applications are due June 16!

Minnesota GreenCorps

The Minnesota GreenCorps program, coordinated by the MPCA, aims to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals.

pca.state.mn.us

Xcel Energy customers will be paying more in gas rates this year, according to the independent nonprofit group Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota.

Xcel customers to see gas rates increase by nearly 5 percent

Advocates say that higher gas rates will make it tougher for those struggling to already pay for other rising costs like groceries and gasoline.

mprnews.org

ICYMI, Clean Heat Minnesota and COPAL were on 5 Eyewitness News last week to talk about "line extension allowances" that allows gas utilities to charge existing customers for the cost of adding pipes to serve new customers. This practice is costing MN gas utility customers $34 MILLION ANNUALLY.

Minnesota regulators to decide whether gas customers should keep paying for new gas lines

Minnesota utility regulators could decide on June 4 whether to change a decades‑old policy that shifts the cost of new natural gas lines onto existing customers.

kstp.com

"Roseville resident Scott H. told KSTP-TV had no idea he was helping pay for new gas lines." MN has the opportunity to end the outdated, costly practice of “line extension allowances” that allow gas utilities to charge existing customers for the cost of adding pipes to serve new customers.

Minnesota regulators to decide whether gas customers should keep paying for new gas lines

Minnesota utility regulators could decide on June 4 whether to change a decades‑old policy that shifts the cost of new natural gas lines onto existing customers.

kstp.com

On June 4, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will convene to make a decision on the future of gas utility line extension policies. Clean Heat Minnesota coalition urges the MNPUC to end this outdated practice costing gas utility customers $34M annually. https://cleanheatmn.org/press-releases/

One way utilities generate profits is through line extension allowances—a $34M policy that allows gas utilities to charge customers for the cost of adding pipes to serve new customers. Learn more: cleanheatmn.org/the-hidden-3...

The hidden $34 million in Minnesota gas bills: Line Extension Allowances - Clean Heat Minnesota

As families across Minnesota struggle with gas bills, utility costs continue to rise.

cleanheatmn.org

Heat pumps are one of the most efficient ways to heat and cool a home. A new report from @RMI found upgrading to heat pumps could save households an average of $1,530 a year while reducing pollution and lowering strain on the grid. Read more: grist.org/buildings/am...

American homes need heat pumps, not space heaters

Ultraefficient heat pumps need to replace more than gas furnaces. They have to replace inefficient space heaters as well.

grist.org

🔌💡 What does it take to upgrade your home energy? Check out our interview with Sarah, a homeowner who took on home energy projects to improve her home’s efficiency and comfort, while reducing her monthly bills:

Home Energy Stories: “This is what I can do.”

In 2025, CUB sat down with Sarah Scherschligt to hear about her experience making energy improvements to her recently purchased home. We hope sharing stories like Sarah’s can help others think ahead…

cubminnesota.org