HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-104Resolution 99 - 104
RESOLUTION TO ENSURE ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE ENERGY
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature and the Public Utilities Commission. will consider proposals to
deregulate the electric utility industry; and
WHEREAS, changes to the electric utility industry will affect how electric service is provided and
priced; and
WHEREAS, competitive electric suppliers may not actively seek to serve residential customers,
particularly low and fixed income customers; and
WHEREAS, electric utility deregulation may shift costs onto residential customers, increase prices and
overall bills; and
WHEREAS, low and fixed income Minnesotans devote an average of 17% of their income for energy
costs (energy burden); and
WHEREAS, the energy burden of low and fixed income Minnesotans causes hardship and suffering; and
WHEREAS, access to affordable energy service is essential to the health and safety of all Minnesotans;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT access to affordable energy service should be declared an
essential requirement in any legislation or proposal to deregulate the electric utility industry; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT universal service must include provisions for default and
provider of last resort service; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT a universal service fund be established to provide bill-payment
and conservation assistance to low and fixed income Minnesotans; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the goal of the universal service fund is to assist as many
income-eligible households as possible; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT universal service funding levels should be based on reducing
the energy burden of households at or below 50% of the state median income; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT universal service of funds should be raised on a consistent basis
to meet the determined need; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT universal service funds should be administered in the most
efficient manner possible to provide the most significant benefit to low and fixed income Minnesotans.
Adopted by the Stillwater City Council this 20~' day of April, 1999.
ayor
Attest: -- ~`'~ ~~t,~~
~~~ City Clerk