Temporary rate hikes sought by a handful of utilities in Minnesota are taking effect. Consumer advocates are still monitoring long-term proposals and expressed concern about the timing for ratepayers. In recent weeks, Minnesota Power, CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy have received the green light from state regulators for short-term rate increases while their permanent request cases are considered. .
Federal and state regulators are cracking down on so-called "junk fees," which companies often use to hike prices on consumer products above what is advertised. These unexpected fees on hotel rooms, cars, concert tickets and more cost people tens of billions of dollars each year, and countless hours wading through the fine print of companies terms and conditions. Diedre Cummings, legislative director for the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group, said these sneaky practices need to stop. .
Chilly temperatures in Indiana mean turning up the thermostat at home, which can pose challenges for families on a tight budget. Indiana s Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time annual amount to approved households to help with their heating costs, usually if utilities have been or are about to be disconnected. Thomas Hartnett-Russell, community programs manager for the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, said energy costs have risen faster than the general inflation rate this year, which has spurred more requests for relief. .