CenterPoint Energy seeks to raise natural gas delivery charges for customers

In Minnesota, on November 25, 2024, CenterPoint Energy submitted a settlement agreement to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) concerning its 2023 rate case. This proposal aims to adjust natural gas distribution service rates for the years 2024 and 2025 to maintain safety and reliability for over 920,000 customers throughout more than 260 local communities. If approved, the plan will involve rate adjustments that would lead to a $2.70 increase in the average residential customer's monthly bill in 2024 and an additional $1.27 in 2025. The proposed settlement outlines significant investments in the natural gas distribution system to ensure the infrastructure is safe and compliant with federal regulations, including replacing outdated pipelines and relocating gas meters for improved safety. CenterPoint Energy is also expanding efforts to detect methane emissions via enhanced detection vehicles to quickly address leaks. While the Commission reviews this settlement, interim rates are already in place, projecting an additional average monthly cost of approximately $2 starting January 2025. The delivery charge constitutes around 50% of a typical customer's bill, and the remainder is the cost of natural gas, which is passed through at cost without markup. This rate case embodies CenterPoint's commitment to planning for the future energy needs of its customers while addressing the essential safety and service reliability required for efficient natural gas provisioning. The requested adjustments are part of a larger strategy to continue meeting customer energy demands and ensuring compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements.