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Xcel rate hike challenged as electric bills rise
UMN energy policy professor Gabe Chan joins us to break down Xcel Energy’s approved rate increases, why consumer advocates are challenging the decision and what Minnesota customers can do to manage rising electric bills.
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Bloomington City Council has unanimously approved higher utility rates that city officials say could add about $70 a year for the average homeowner.
Bloomington utility bills
What we know:
Bloomington officials say they chose to raise rates because of operating costs, aging infrastructure and rising water treatment costs throughout the city, which would be required to maintain the current service frequency.
The city council approved the increase unanimously on Nov. 9.
Dig deeper:
Under the city's approved plan, water rates will rise 3%, stormwater rates 4%, garbage and solid waste rates 4% and wastewater rates 9%.
Households using 5,500 gallons of water every two months with a medium garbage cart will see total utility bill increases of 5.19%, according to the plan.
The EPA says the average American household uses 9,000 to 10,000 gallons of water each month.
The Source: FOX 9 coverage from the Bloomington City Council meeting on Nov. 9, 2026.