New Minnesota Natural Gas Rates

In order to make energy work better for our customers, we submitted a proposal to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission on Oct. 31, 2025, for new natural gas rates. While the commission considers our request,  interim rates began January 1, 2026. At Xcel Energy, we work every day to provide the energy that our customers depend on. That’s why we’re committed to upgrading and strengthening our natural gas infrastructure to ensure system resiliency.

• Find out more about our new natural gas rates (PDF)
• Read our interim rates customer notice (PDF)
• Check out upcoming schedule for public hearings (PDF)

Improvements we’re proposing to the natural gas delivery system include:

• Fire safety systems at natural gas peaking plants in Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights and Maplewood to ensure continued safety and reliability of these plants and their surrounding communities.
• Natural gas transmission and distribution infrastructure to support system reliability for new and existing customers. Currently, we operate nearly 10,000 miles of transmission and distribution infrastructure that continually needs to be modernized and maintained. These investments ensure safe and efficient operations of our system.
• Transitioning to more efficient vehicles and equipment that ultimately save money and lower the overall cost of operations.
• Updating information technology assets to ensure our customers and employees have access to reliable technology.

Proposed rates

If new rates are approved as requested:

• The average residential natural gas customer bill would be 8.7%, or $7.11, higher per month compared to their current bill.
• Business customer bills will vary depending on energy usage.
• While the Commission considers our rate proposal, it approved interim rates that began Jan. 1, 2026. The interim rate increase will add about 7.1% or $5.84, to an average residential customer’s monthly bill. If final rates approved by the Commission are lower than interim rates, we would apply a refund in the form of a one-time credit with interest on customers’ bills.
• We are committed to making investments that deliver value for customers while keeping bills low. If our proposal is approved as requested, our average Minnesota residential customer’s natural gas bills will remain well below the national average.

We’re here to help

We are committed to helping customers who may be struggling with their bills. Xcel Energy offers customers options such as payment plans and assistance to get them through difficult times. If you’re having trouble keeping up with your bill, contact us (external link) and we will work with you to set up a payment plan and connect you with other resources and programs that can help.

Learn more about assistance and the programs Xcel Energy offers at xcelenergy.com/EnergyAssistance.

Public Hearings Scheduled

Administrative Law Judge Kimberly Middendorf will hold six in-person public hearings and two virtual public hearings so that customers have an opportunity to comment on our request. Any Xcel Energy customer or other person may attend or provide comments at the hearings. You are invited to comment on the adequacy and quality of Xcel Energy’s service, the level of rates, or other related matters. You do not need to be represented by an attorney. The hearings will begin at their scheduled time and adjourn after everyone present has had an opportunity to comment or ask questions.

Click here to view the hearing schedule and get instructions on how to join (PDF)

Comment Period

Comments will be accepted through May 19, 2026.

Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. on the close date.

Comments received after the comment period closes may not be considered for the record.

How to Submit a Written Comment

Written comments can be submitted via: (1) the Commission’s website; (2) electronic mail; (3) U.S. Mail; or (4) fax. To learn how to submit a comment in any of these ways, please visit mn.gov/puc, select “Get Involved” from the dropdown menu on the top of the page, then select “Public Comments and How to Participate.” This will take you to the Public Comment page where you will find a list of ways to comment. Be sure to reference MPUC Docket No. 25-356 in the subject line of your comment.

If you do not have access to the internet, you may send or deliver your comment to:

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
121 7th Place East, Ste. 350
St. Paul, MN 55101

Important: Comments can be reviewed by the public on the MPUC’s website, except in limited circumstances consistent with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The MPUC does not edit or delete personally identifying information from comments received.

Questions

If you have questions about the MPUC’s review process or need assistance in submitting comments, contact the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Office at:

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
121 7th Place East, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: 651-296-0406 or 800-657-3782
Email: consumer.puc@state.mn.us

Anyone with hearing or speech disabilities may call through their preferred Telecommunications Relay.

Please contact the MPUC staff Christine Pham at 651-201-2249 or christine.pham@state.mn.us as soon as possible if you need an interpreter or accommodation to attend a public hearing.

Rate Application Filing Documents