Find Utility Providers in Minnesota Search for electricity, natural gas, water, internet and trash providers for your home.

Minnesota Electricity Information

Minnesota generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, with coal and natural gas still playing significant roles, though their share has been steadily declining. Wind power has grown rapidly, making Minnesota a leader in Midwest renewable energy, and solar energy is expanding as well. Electricity prices in the state are close to the national average, though investments in clean energy and grid modernization could help stabilize costs in the long run. With coal use decreasing, emissions have been steadily dropping, and Minnesota continues to push for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

The state has ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions, and policies supporting wind, solar, and energy efficiency have helped drive progress. While natural gas remains a key part of the energy mix, Minnesota’s commitment to renewables is positioning it as a leader in the transition to cleaner electricity. As the state moves further away from coal, emissions are expected to decline even more in the coming years.

Find Electricity Providers In Minnesota

Electricity Production

Primary Source

Wind

Total Generation: 57,276,862 MWh
Ranks 30th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 17.14¢ /kWh
Ranks 32nd Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $116.25
Ranks 10th Cheapest in the U.S.

Electricity Production By Source

Emissions From Electricity Generation

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rank

29th Highest

20,842 TMT

Sulfer Dioxide Emissions Rank

23rd Highest

12,636 tn

Nitrogen Oxide Emissions Rank

26th Highest

19,827 tn

Renewable Electricity Generation

Renewable Production Rank

12th Highest

17,242,961 MWh
30.1% of Total Production

Source U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Based on data from 2023

Energy Usage in Minnesota

Energy Usage Per Capita Rank

33rd Lowest

Average Per Person: 308 million BTU

Electricity consumption in Minnesota is shaped by its Upper Midwest climate, which brings long, harsh winters and warm summers. Heating demand is high during the winter, though much of it comes from natural gas rather than electricity. Summers can be humid, increasing air conditioning use, but overall, the state’s energy efficiency programs help manage demand. With a strong renewable energy sector and a focus on sustainability, Minnesota is working to meet its energy needs while reducing environmental impact.

Municipal Utilities in Minnesota

While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Minnesota offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Minnesota, 128 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.

Largest Electric Companies in Minnesota

The rest of Minnesota receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:

Minnesota Natural Gas Information

Minnesota runs on natural gas when the weather turns, and two out of three households use it as their primary heating fuel. Long, subzero winters push home and business demand higher from the Twin Cities to Duluth, while hot, stormy summer spells keep gas-fired plants helping the grid cover evening cooling peaks. By usage, industry is the biggest year-round customer at roughly one-third of deliveries, and homes account for about one-quarter, which fits a state where furnaces work hard for months but manufacturing is always on.

Average Natural Gas Price

$1.442 /CCF

Ranks 7th Cheapest in the U.S.

Average Natural Gas Bill

$79 /month

Ranks 14th Cheapest in the U.S.

Natural Gas Usage Per Capita

32nd Lowest

Average Per Person: 68.01 MCFs Annually

Largest Natural Gas Companies in Minnesota

Many of the residents of Minnesota receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.

Find Natural Gas Providers In Minnesota

Minnesota Internet Connectivity

Broadband Availability

88.57%

Ranks 26th in the U.S.

Percent of Ppopulation with access to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload

1 Gig Availability

35.84%

Ranks 20th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to download speeds of 1 Gbps

Fiber Availability

37.02%

Ranks 18th in the U.S.

Percent of population with access to Fiber Internet

Largest Internet Providers in Minnesota

When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Minnesota have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Minnesota homes online and in the loop:

Find Internet Providers In Minnesota

Green & Renewable Energy Options

Minnesota is a national leader in community solar, making it easy for residents to support renewable energy even if they can't install their own panels.

Community Solar Gardens: Renters and homeowners can subscribe to a local solar garden. You pay a subscription fee to the solar operator, and in return, you receive a credit on your utility bill for the electricity your share produces. This often results in net savings.
- Low-Income Options: Minnesota’s new "LMI-Accessible" program ensures that income-qualified households can subscribe with guaranteed savings and no cancellation fees.
Green Pricing Programs: Most major utilities allow you to source up to 100% of your electricity from wind or solar for a small monthly premium (often around $8–$12/month for an average home).
- Xcel Energy: Look for the Windsource® or Renewable Connect programs.
- Minnesota Power: Ask about their Renewable Energy options to support local wind/hydro.

Consumer Protections & Rights

As a Minnesota utility customer, you have legal rights protecting your access to essential services.

Dispute Resolution: If you have a dispute with your provider that you cannot resolve directly, you can file a complaint with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) Consumer Affairs Office. They can act as a neutral third party to mediate the issue.
- Phone: 651-296-0406 or 800-657-3782
Medical Equipment Protection: If you or a household member requires life-sustaining medical equipment (such as a ventilator or CPAP machine), you can apply for "Medical Necessity" status.
- Action Required: You must provide a doctor’s certification annually. While this does not waive your bill, it provides extra protection against sudden disconnection and requires the utility to give you advanced notice of any planned outages.
Disconnection Rules: During the winter (Oct 1–April 30), utilities must follow strict notice rules. They generally cannot disconnect you on a Friday, weekend, or holiday, ensuring you always have a business day to contact them to resolve payment issues.

Safety & Infrastructure

Call Before You Dig (811): In Minnesota, it is the law to contact Gopher State One Call before you do any digging—whether you are planting a tree, installing a fence, or building a deck.
- The Rule: You must call 811 or file a request online at least 2 business days before you dig. Utilities will come out for free to mark buried gas and electric lines with flags or spray paint.
If You Smell Gas: Minnesota utilities add a "rotten egg" smell (mercaptan) to natural gas so leaks are detectable. If you smell this odor:
1. Leave immediately. Do not use any light switches, phones, or garage door openers (these can cause a spark).
2. Call 911 from a safe distance (neighbor's house or outside).
3. Call your utility (CenterPoint, Xcel, etc.) only after you are safe.
Power Outage Maps: Bookmark the outage map for your specific provider on your phone before a storm hits. This is the fastest way to see estimated restoration times.

Energy Efficiency & Rebates

Minnesota utilities are required to help their customers save energy through the Conservation Improvement Program (CIP).

Home Energy Squad: Residents in Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, and many municipal utility territories can schedule a "Home Energy Squad" visit.
- What they do: A team visits your home to test for air leaks, inspect insulation, and install energy-saving items like LED bulbs, door weatherstripping, and programmable thermostats.
- Cost: Visits often have a low co-pay (e.g., $50–$100), and are frequently free for income-qualified households.
Rebates: Before buying a new furnace, water heater, or smart thermostat, always check your utility's website. They often offer cash rebates ranging from $50 to over $1,000 for installing high-efficiency Energy Star certified appliances.

Water Quality Note

Hard Water: Most of Minnesota has "hard" to "very hard" water (high mineral content).
- Tip: If you are new to the state, you will likely need a water softener to prevent mineral buildup on your dishes, laundry, and plumbing fixtures. If your home already has one, remember to check the salt tank monthly.

New Resident Moving Checklist

2 Weeks Before Move: Call electric and gas providers to transfer service into your name for the move-in date.
1 Week Before Move: Schedule internet installation. Appointments in Minnesota metro areas can fill up weeks in advance.
Move-In Day: Locate your main water shut-off valve (usually in the basement near the street side) and your electrical breaker box. Label them clearly for emergencies.
First Month: Check if your city requires you to set up trash/recycling separately or if it is included in your water bill.

Minnesota Homeowner’s Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

In Minnesota, the extreme temperature swing, from -30°F in winter to 90°F+ in summer, puts unique stress on your home. Use this checklist to stay ahead of costly repairs.

Spring (March – May)

Focus: Managing water melt and preparing for humidity.

Test Your Sump Pump: As snow melts, your sump pump is your basement's main defense against flooding. Pour a bucket of water into the pit to ensure it turns on and pumps water out away from your foundation.
AC Tune-Up: Schedule your central air conditioning tune-up in April. waiting until the first 90° day often means a two-week wait for a technician.

Re-Install Sump Pump Extension: If you removed your exterior sump pump hose for winter (to prevent freezing), re-attach it now so water is directed at least 6–10 feet away from your house.
Clean Gutters: Remove any seeds or debris left over from winter to prepare for heavy spring rains.

Summer (June – August)

Focus: Efficiency and humidity control.

Dehumidifier Check: Minnesota basements can get damp. Run a dehumidifier to keep relative humidity below 50% to prevent mold growth.
Change Furnace Filter: Even in summer, your furnace fan circulates air. A clean filter improves AC efficiency and lowers electric bills.
Watering Rules: If your city has odd/even sprinkling bans (common in the Twin Cities metro), program your irrigation controller to match to avoid fines.

Fall (September – November)

Focus: The "Critical Window" for winterizing.

Prevent Ice Dams (Gutter Cleaning): This is the most important task of the year. Clean every leaf out of your gutters before the snow flies. Clogged gutters trap water, which freezes into heavy blocks of ice that can back up under your shingles.
Shut Off Exterior Faucets:
1. Disconnect all garden hoses.
2. Locate the shut-off valve inside your house (usually in the utility room).
3. Turn it off, then open the outdoor tap to drain the remaining water.
- Why? If you skip this, the pipe can freeze and burst inside your wall, causing massive water damage.
Furnace Inspection: Call for a heating system safety check. Ask the technician to specifically check the heat exchanger for cracks, which can leak carbon monoxide.

Winter (December – February)

Focus: Safety and heat retention.

Monitor for Ice Dams: Look for large icicles hanging from your eaves. This is a sign that heat is escaping your attic and melting snow on the roof.
- Immediate Action: Use a roof rake to safely pull snow off the edge of the roof (while standing on the ground).
- Long-term Fix: Do not chip the ice (you will damage shingles). Instead, consult an insulation pro about air-sealing your attic in the spring.

Check Vents: After heavy snowfalls, check that your furnace and water heater exhaust pipes (usually white PVC pipes poking out of the side of your house) are not buried in snow. Blocked vents can cause the system to shut down or push exhaust back into the home.
Humidifier Setting: If you have a whole-home humidifier, turn it down as the temperature drops (around 15-25% for deep winter) to prevent condensation and ice from forming on the inside of your windows.

Utility Costs in Minnesota

The average monthly total utility bills in Minnesota is $224.94, which is 18.84% lower than the national average.

Average Electric Bill

$116

Lower than national average

Average Natural Gas Bill

$79

Lower than national average

Average Water Bill

$30

Lower than national average

Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Minnesota

If you are struggling to keep up with heating or electric bills, Minnesota offers several state-wide and utility-specific programs to help. Assistance is available for emergencies, ongoing bill payment, and preventing disconnection during the winter months.

General Assistance Programs

Energy Assistance Program (EAP): This federally funded program helps renters and homeowners pay for heating and electricity, and can also assist with furnace repairs. Grants are paid directly to your utility company. Eligibility is based on income (e.g., approximately $3,119/month for a single-person household).
- Apply for the Energy Assistance Program through the MN Department of Commerce.
Cold Weather Rule: Minnesota state law protects residential customers from having their electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. Note: You must contact your utility and make (and keep) a payment plan to be protected.
- Learn more about the Cold Weather Rule at the MN Public Utilities Commission.
HeatShare: Administered by the Salvation Army, this “last resort” safety net provides emergency funds for heating bills (natural gas, oil, propane, electricity, or wood) when other assistance is unavailable.
- Find a HeatShare location near you.
Gas Affordability Program (GAP): Major natural gas utilities in Minnesota offer a program that caps your monthly gas bill at a percentage of your household income. Contact your specific gas utility (such as CenterPoint Energy or Xcel Energy) to ask for an application.

Assistance for Seniors

Seniors (often defined as age 62+) may qualify for additional protections or discount rates depending on their provider.

Utility Discounts: Some providers, such as Minnesota Power’s CARE program, offer flat-rate discounts for seniors who already qualify for energy assistance. Xcel Energy also offers a senior discount for electric customers who meet income guidelines.
Crisis Funding: If you are over 60 and facing a disconnect notice, local community action agencies often prioritize your application for crisis funds.

Assistance for Students

Students in Minnesota often face financial gaps that standard aid doesn’t cover.

University Emergency Funds: Most Minnesota colleges (including the University of Minnesota system and Minnesota State colleges) have “Student Emergency Funds” specifically designed to cover basic needs like utilities during a crisis. Contact your campus One Stop, Dean of Students, or Basic Needs office immediately if you are behind on bills.
EAP Eligibility: Many students living off-campus meet the income requirements for the general Energy Assistance Program and are encouraged to apply.

Learn more in the Student Utility Guide

Assistance for Veterans

Minnesota veterans have access to dedicated funds to ensure housing stability.

Subsistence Assistance: The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) provides temporary financial assistance to disabled veterans and surviving spouses for shelter and utility costs.
- View MDVA Financial Assistance guidelines.
Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV): This non-profit offers emergency financial assistance to veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, which can include help with utility arrears.
- Get help from MACV.
Active Duty Protection: Minnesota law prevents utility disconnection for households with a member ordered to active duty, deployment, or a change of duty station, provided a payment plan is established.