- Free Xfinity Mobile Line for 1 year
- Free Peacock Premium*
- Free WiFi Equipment for 24 months
- $100 Visa Prepaid Cards for students
Quick Utility Facts
- The electric utility is Xcel Energy.
- The natural gas utility is Centerpoint Energy.
- Internet service is available from Xfinity, Quantum Fiber, and some areas US Internet.
- The cheapest internet plan in Minneapolis is $30.00/month from Xfinity.
- The City of Minneapolis provides water, trash, recycling and compost services.
Electric Providers in Minneapolis
Electricity across the City of Lakes is provided exclusively by Xcel Energy, operating as an investor-owned public utility under the regulatory oversight of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. Because service is tied directly to Xcel’s physical distribution grid, establishing your account is done directly through their portal. Typical residential rates reflect a seasonal volumetric structure where per-kWh electricity costs increase during high-demand summer cooling months (June through September) compared to winter baseline rates. To keep power bills manageable during humid summer heatwaves when central air conditioning units strain the regional grid, Xcel offers optional Time-of-Use tariffs and the “Saver’s Switch” air conditioning management program, encouraging households to shift high-draw appliance tasks like laundry, dishwashing, and electric vehicle charging to off-peak morning or overnight hours.
Natural Gas Providers in Minneapolis
Natural gas service across the city core is distributed predominantly by CenterPoint Energy (alongside Xcel Energy in select surrounding pockets), operating as a fully regulated public delivery utility. Your natural gas supply and pipeline delivery fees are bundled together into state-approved tariffs, protecting consumers against third-party energy marketer markups. CenterPoint assesses a mandatory fixed monthly customer facility charge alongside volumetric distribution rates and state environmental riders on every residential statement. Because natural gas is heavily relied upon to fire forced-air furnaces, boilers, and domestic water heaters during sub-zero Minnesota winters, gas usage drops dramatically in the summer; however, this fixed baseline customer charge ensures your natural gas statement carries a persistent monthly maintenance fee year-round, even in July or August when space-heating systems sit completely idle.
Top 14 Internet Providers in Minneapolis
- 2 Gbps
- Cable & Fiber
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 99.55%
- $30.00/mo
- Lock in Your Price for 5 Years
- 8 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Phone
- 93.74%
- $30.00/mo
- 940 Mbps
- DSL & Fiber
- 1 TB
- Phone
- 93.74%
- $50.00/mo
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 100%
- $35.00/mo
- Wireless Internet Great for Renters
- 498 Mbps
- 5G
- 1.2 TB
- Mobile
- 100%
- $50.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 300 Mbps
- 5G
- Unlimited
- Mobile
- 99.71%
- $40.00/mo
- Wireless Internet
- 150 Mbps
- Satellite
- 150-850 GB
- Phone
- 100%
- $39.99/mo
- 400 Mbps
- Satellite
- Unlimited
- 99.99%
- $55.00/mo
- Varies
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Varies
- 95%
- $39.95/mo
- 2 Gbps**
- Cable
- Unlimited
- TV & Phone
- 8.23%
- $30.00/mo
- Most Affordable Plans
- 7 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- Phone
- 6.76%
- $29.99/mo
- 1 Gbps
- Cable
- 400GB-2TB
- 5.97%
- $49.99/mo
- 5 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- 5.51%
- $29.95/mo
- 2 Gbps
- Fiber
- Unlimited
- 2.09%
- $24.99/mo
Internet and digital broadband connectivity across Minneapolis features a strong, high-speed competitive landscape highlighted by local favorite US Internet — which offers symmetrical multi-gigabit fiber-to-the-home coverage across massive swathes of South Minneapolis, Uptown, and the North Loop — alongside a near-universal cable footprint from Xfinity, expanding fiber from Quantum Fiber, and fixed 5G home wireless options. Symmetrical fiber optic lines provide exceptional low-latency bandwidth ideal for remote tech employment and media streaming. However, physical line availability depends heavily on neighborhood age and local infrastructure. Moving into an established historic neighborhood like Uptown, Kingfield, Powderhorn, or Northeast Minneapolis can reveal older overhead utility pole drops or plaster interior walls that complicate fiber installation, while modern loft conversions downtown frequently feature exclusive corporate property marketing agreements that restrict inside wiring access to a single ISP.
Water & Sewage Providers in Minneapolis
Water, sanitary sewer, and urban stormwater utilities are managed directly by City of Minneapolis Utility Billing, drawing clean raw water directly from the Mississippi River. Billed on a single consolidated monthly statement, municipal rates combine a flat water base fee ($11.75 for a standard 5/8-inch meter) and volumetric intake ($5.65 per 1,000 gallons) with wastewater processing charges. To protect residents from paying sewer treatment fees for outdoor summer lawn care, Minneapolis uses an Average Winter Consumption (AWC) calculation. Your monthly sewer charge from April through November is capped based on your average indoor water consumption established between December and March, meaning an undetected indoor plumbing leak or running toilet during those winter tracking months will artificially elevate your monthly sewer cap for the rest of the year.
Top 6 Trash and Recycling Providers in Minneapolis
Solid waste, recycling, and organics collection services are operated by the City of Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling division for single-family homes and residential properties up to four units. Billed directly on your monthly municipal utility statement ($33.99 base fee plus a cart size fee), service includes weekly garbage collection in gray carts and bi-weekly single-stream recycling in blue carts. Minneapolis also offers a free, opt-in Organics Recycling Program that delivers a dedicated green cart for food scraps, coffee grounds, and food-soiled paper. The absolute primary rule for organics collection is that all food scraps MUST be bagged inside brown paper bags or BPI-certified compostable plastic bags before entering the green cart; placing loose food scraps or regular plastic bags in the green bin will prompt collection crews to issue green educational violation tags and leave the bin uncollected.
Utilities Summary for Minneapolis, MN
| Electric Companies: | 1 |
| Natural Gas Companies: | 1 |
| Water & Sewage Providers: | 2 |
| Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers: | 6 |
| Municipal Electricity: | Yes |
Set up Utilities for Your Home in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is known for its vibrant arts scene, scenic lakes, and friendly neighborhoods. It is a city that balances urban amenities with Midwestern charm. Whether you’re biking along the Mississippi, enjoying a brew in Northeast, or discovering local coffee shops, you’re in for a treat. That said, settling into a new home comes with practical considerations, like setting up utilities. Here’s your detailed, warm guide to electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, and more utilities in Minneapolis.
Electricity in Minneapolis
Your electricity in Minneapolis is provided by Xcel Energy, a major Minnesotan utility headquartered right in Minneapolis. Xcel serves millions across the region, offering robust infrastructure and a strong shift toward clean energy, aiming for 80 % carbon reduction by 2035 and fully carbon‑free by 2050. As an Xcel customer, you’ll also benefit from their award‑winning Energy Squad home‑efficiency visits, which provide personalized audits and actionable recommendations.
Energy Efficiency Rebates & Programs
- Home Energy Squad: FREE home visit to review insulation, heating, and efficient upgrades.
- Rebates through the city and Xcel:
- Xcel offers rebates for heat pumps, smart thermostats, air sealing and insulation
- Minneapolis’ Green Cost Share Program provides up to $14,000 for efficiency upgrades in Green Zones and $5,000 elsewhere.
- Bonus rebates stack with Xcel’s, covering attic, wall insulation, triple-pane windows, and more.
Why It Matters
Xcel’s approach isn’t just environmentally conscious, it’s financially smart. Efficient heating/cooling systems and shell upgrades (insulation, windows) can cut your monthly bill and increase comfort. Plus, Xcel’s push toward clean energy means your home usage gets greener every year.
Natural Gas in Minneapolis
For natural gas needs, like cooking or heating, Minneapolis relies on CenterPoint Energy (formerly Minnegasco) . They deliver reliable, cost-effective gas service throughout the city.
Efficiency Rebates & Programs
CenterPoint offers a variety of cost-saving incentives :
- Programmable/Wi‑Fi thermostat rebates
- Heating system tune-up rebate (~$35)
- High-efficiency furnace/boiler upgrades
- Air sealing, insulation, and heat pump rebates via joint city/utility programs
Tips & Tidbits
CenterPoint participates in Minneapolis’s Green Cost Share initiative and has on-bill financing options for income-qualified households. Explore their residential incentive page regularly, programs change seasonally.
Water & Trash
Minneapolis Public Works Department handles water, sewer, and trash services. Water rates are tiered (higher usage costs more), helping promote conservation. Trash, recycling, and organics are bundled through city contracts with local haulers, rates vary slightly by neighborhood.
Green Highlights
- Low-flow fixture rebates and rain barrel programs to encourage water conservation.
- Composting and food-scrap recycling is available city-wide, check your address for opt-in options.
- The city often runs water-quality outreach and sustainable landscaping programs, keeping both lakes and waterways clean.
Best Internet Providers in Minneapolis
Minneapolis offers a variety of reliable internet options, from fiber to 5G. Here’s a snapshot:
1. Quantum Fiber / CenturyLink
- Quantum is slowly taking over CenturyLinks fiber network and offers speeds up to 8 Gbps on it’s revamped network. CenturyLink offers fiber (up to 940 Mbps) and DSL, with no annual contracts and unlimited data.
2. Xfinity
- Xfinity offers cable connections to over 99% of the city, offering high-speed plans up to 2 Gbps with no data caps.
5. 5G Home Internet / Satellite
- If you’re in an area that doesn’t have cable or fiber, or you’re simply looking for a wireless alternative, your options include Verizon Home Internet (5G FWA, 300 Mbps+), Starlink, and HughesNet.
Conservation, Renewable, & Sustainable Energy Options
Minneapolis residents benefit from progressive green energy choices:
- Xcel Energy is shifting to renewables, wind, solar, biomass, and phasing out coal and reducing natural gas usage.
- City clean energy programs include gigawatt solar gardens, pre-weatherization grants, heat pump rebates, EV charger support, and more.
- Community Solar Gardens allow renters or homeowners without solar panels to get clean energy benefits via subscription.
- Minneapolis PPW’s programs encourage water conservation and proper recycling/composting, keeping waterways and soils healthy.
Financial Assistance for Utilities in Minneapolis
City & State Programs
- Xcel & CenterPoint Energy: On-bill financing and income-qualified rebate programs for low-income households.
- Minnesota Home Electrification Appliance Rebate (HEAR): Provides rebates to income-qualified households that install efficient electric appliances or upgrade panels.
- Green Cost Share Program: Covers up to $14k for efficiency improvements; eligible to all Minneapolis homeowners.
Assistance Programs
- Energy Assistance Program (EAP) via CAP agencies helps pay heating or electric bills for qualifying households.
- Minnesota Cold Weather Rule prevents utility shutoffs for eligible customers in winter months.
- Digital Inclusion low-cost internet through Xfinity and USI Wireless (city partners).
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
Minneapolis Internet Connectivity
Fastest Internet Providers in Minneapolis
| Provider | Connection Type | Download Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity | Cable & Fiber | 2 Gbps |
| Quantum Fiber | Fiber | 8 Gbps |
| CenturyLink | DSL & Fiber | 940 Mbps |
| Verizon 5G Home Internet | 5G | 300 Mbps |
| T-Mobile 5G Home Internet | 5G | 498 Mbps |
| AT&T Air | 5G | 300 Mbps |
| Viasat | Satellite | 150 Mbps |
| Starlink | Satellite | 400 Mbps |
| Earthlink | Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite | Varies |
| Spectrum | Cable | 2 Gbps |
| Frontier | Fiber | 7 Gbps |
| Mediacom | Cable | 1 Gbps |
| Metronet | Fiber | 5 Gbps |
| Kinetic | Fiber | 2 Gbps |
*Not all speeds available in all areas
Minneapolis Drinking Water Quality Information
Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.
Minneapolis's Primary Drinking Water Source: Surface Water
Drinking Water Contaminant Levels
Legal limit: 15 ppb
Legal limit: 100 ppb
Legal limit: No Limit Set
Legal limit: 60 ppb
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Legal limit: No Limit Set
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Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose renewable energy for my Minneapolis home?
We love this question! Yes, Xcel Energy offers several eco-conscious programs. You can sign up for Windsource to power your home with 100% regional wind energy or join a Solar Rewards Community, which allows you to support local solar gardens and receive credits on your bill.
What is the "Cold Weather Rule" in Minnesota?
This is a very important protection for our neighbors. From Oct. 1 through April 30, the Cold Weather Rule prevents your natural gas or electric service from being shut off if the bill is unpaid, provided you set up a payment plan with your utility company. We always recommend contacting CenterPoint or Xcel Energy immediately if you’re worried about a bill during the winter months.
What should I do if I smell gas in my new place?
Safety first! If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, stop what you’re doing and leave the house immediately. Don’t use your phone or flip any light switches inside. Once you’re at a safe distance, call 911 and CenterPoint Energy at (800) 296-9815.
Wait, my water bill also includes trash and recycling?
That’s right! In Minneapolis, the city manages a “combined utility bill.” Your monthly statement from the City of Minneapolis will include charges for water, sewer, stormwater, trash, and recycling. It’s one of the perks of living here — one less bill for you to track!
How do I sign up for the organics (composting) program?
We highly recommend this for an eco-friendly move! Minneapolis has a fantastic curbside organics recycling program at no extra cost. If your new home doesn’t have a green organics bin, just call 311 or visit the city’s website to request one. You can toss in everything from food scraps to pizza boxes!
Does trash pickup change during a Snow Emergency?
It can! If the city declares a Snow Emergency, trash and recycling collection might be delayed by a day or two so the plows can clear the alleys. We suggest downloading the Minneapolis Snow Emergency app or signing up for email alerts so you’re never left wondering where your bins went.
Which internet provider is best in Minneapolis?
While Xfinity and Quantum Fiber are popular, many of our neighbors swear by US Internet. They are a local fiber-optic provider known for incredible speeds and great customer service, though their coverage is still expanding through certain neighborhoods. We suggest checking their “coverage map” at least two weeks before you move.
Are there ways to make my new home more energy-efficient?
Definitely. We suggest looking into the Home Energy Squad, a service provided by Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy. For a small fee (which is often waived for income-qualified households), a team of experts will visit your home, install energy-saving items like LED bulbs and weatherstripping, and give you a roadmap for bigger savings.
How do I report a street light out or a missed trash pickup?
The 311 service is your best friend in Minneapolis. You can call 311 or use the Minneapolis 311 app to report everything from a pothole on your street to a damaged recycling cart. They are incredibly responsive and helpful for new residents!
Why must all food scraps be bagged for the green organics recycling cart?
Unlike yard waste, food scraps in Minneapolis’s green organics cart must be enclosed in brown paper bags or BPI-certified compostable plastic bags. Bagging prevents food from freezing to the inside of the cart during sub-zero winter temperatures, minimizes pests and odors in summer, and allows automated facility sorting without machinery jams.
What happens to my trash carts during a Minneapolis Snow Emergency?
During heavy winter snowfalls, cart placement is critical. Carts must be set out at the curb or alley line by 6:00 AM on collection day, but they must never be placed on top of snowbanks or in the path of city snowplows. You must shovel a clear, level path at street or alley level so sanitation workers can roll the carts out to the automated truck arms.