In November 2008, CenterPoint Energy filed a request with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) to change its rates for utility distribution service. The filing, known as a rate case, sought to increase the company’s annual revenues by $59.8 million. The MPUC approved an annual revenue increase of approximately $40.8 million, or 3.6 percent.
The new rates approved by the MPUC include two important changes: Revenue Decoupling Rate Adjustment and the Inverted Block Rate.
Inverted block rates will allow customers the opportunity to pay a lower rate for the cost of gas if they conserve energy and use less natural gas.
Revenue decoupling is a mechanism in which the utility's revenue is separated from changes in the volume of natural gas used by customers and will help offset revenue changes due to conservation improvement programs.
Click here to find out more about the Rate Case and learn about energy saving tips to help reduce energy use.