Utility customers face hard times
Millions of U.S. families are at risk of utility shut-offs

In an August 20 article, the Star Tribune reported that 160,000 CenterPoint Energy customers in Minnesota have unpaid natural gas bills, up from a high of 100,000 at the end of previous summers. According to the article, as many as half of the customers are five months or more behind in their payments. The average amount due is $1,200.

This problem isn't limited to Minnesota. A National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association media release (PDF document) raises concerns about millions of low-income families across the country facing utility disconnection because they are unable to make payments on last winter’s heating bills. On average, U.S. utility consumers facing shut-off are $850 behind in their payments. According to the release, the federal government’s $1 billion cutback in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program is having a major impact on consumers. The association urged Congress to act quickly to increase funding for services.

A sample of shut-off situations across the nation:

• Iowa: 224,099 customers have bills more than 60 days overdue, and 185,356 shut-off notices were issued in April and May. There were 14,881 disconnections in April and May, the highest number ever reported for this period.
• Wisconsin: 83,676 disconnection notices, an increase of 32 percent over the last year at this time by one of the state’s major utilities. Of this amount, through May 31, 16,771 households were disconnected—over 1,000 more than this time last year.

State and federal funds may be needed to help address this critical consumer issue as winter approaches.

Woodbury's new City Hall goes green
$7 million upgrade demonstrates construction that protects the environment

As Woodbury city employees move back into their renovated city hall, they will be able to take pride in the building’s new green features, such as a geothermal cooling and heating system for a new addition and a green roof and permeable stones to help control water runoff.

On September 5, the Star Tribune quoted the city’s communications coordinator as saying, “People here do seem to be tuned into [green construction].” Woodbury has been—and if projections are correct, will continue to be—one of the fastest growing suburbs in the metro area, with population growth expected to reach 73,500 by 2020. Endorsing green design, implementing energy efficiency technologies, and taking advantage of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design resources are just some of the ways that municipal governments can have an impact on reducing global warming emissions.

Fresh Energy is a nonprofit organization leading the transition to a clean energy system. One that supports the health of our economies, our people, and our environment while moving us toward energy independence. www.fresh-energy.org