The Minneapolis City Council set two public hearings to consider authorizing the establishment of municipal electrical and gas utilities. The hearings are:
10 a.m., Aug. 1, to consider authorizing the establishment of a municipal electrical utility
10:30 a.m., Aug. 1, to consider authorizing the establishment of a municipal gas utility
The public hearings will take place during the City Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting in the City Council Chamber, Room 317 of City Hall.
This action comes as the City prepares to enter into energy franchise negotiations with Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy. State law currently limits Minneapolis’ authority over utilities in franchise agreements; however, the City is seeking legislative changes to allow negotiations with Xcel and CenterPoint to explore how Minneapolis could make progress toward its goals for sustainable energy, improved air quality, equity and green jobs. The City wishes to explore options to achieve its energy goals outside the existing franchise agreement structure including the potential for municipalization of one or both energy utilities.