Recent content from Mike Hughlett
Judges: Minn. customers should bear full $660M in costs from Feb. 2021 storm
Two administrative law judges said CenterPoint Energy, Xcel and the state's other natural gas utilities acted "prudently" in their actions.
Minnesota state utility panel says CO2 pipelines should be regulated
With two CO2 pipelines planned to cross Minnesota, there is a void in state regulations over whether they are hazardous. The Public Utilities Commission voted in favor of new rules on Thursday.
Minnesota utility regulators vote Thursday whether to regulate CO2 pipelines
Two of these multistate pipelines, which would carry carbon dioxide from ethanol plants, will have portions of their routes in Minnesota.
Midwest, including Minn., at greater risk for rolling blackouts
As the energy feeding the regional electricity grid changes from coal to more renewable, a big spike in demand could cause a power shortfall, the grid regulator says.
World War II vet who died at 100 knew the meaning of hard work
Wallace Conrad's son, Curt, said whether his father was working farm fields, fighting in World War II or building homes, he worked his hardest.
High oil prices spark North Dakota crude output — and motorists' fuel bills
North Dakota's oil production rose decently in March. Gasoline prices in Minnesota recently crossed the $4 barrier.
Flint Hills moving forward with $75M solar project at its Rosemount refinery
The company is proceeding with the solar array, which will be one of the largest in Minnesota, despite the solar industry's current woes.
Great River completes $227M sale of North Dakota coal plant, transmission line
Maple Grove-based Great River will continue buying electricity from the plant under its new owner, Rainbow Energy Marketing.
3M loses latest earplug trial, now has nine defeats and six victories
Only one more bellwether trial is scheduled in massive litigation over allegations that 3M military earplugs were defective.
Crypto boom a boon for electricity providers, but questionable for climate
Crypto mining centers, which consume huge amounts of electricity, are popping up in Minnesota and North Dakota. Critics say they enhance fossil fuel power production.
Xcel quarterly profits rise nearly 5%, partly from rate increases
The electricity and gas provider also benefited from higher tax benefits over the same period a year ago.
Costs to rebuild burned Superior oil refinery keep growing
The refinery's owner reports the price tag is now at $1.2 billion, up from the last estimate of $950 million and the original one of around $400 million.
Cliffs maintains plans to idle Northshore Mining operations on Iron Range
The company will close the operations in Babbitt and Silver Bay on May 1.
North Dakota oil production expected to grow only slightly this year
Production in February was flat, according to state data released Tuesday. Oil producers have told officials it is likely to grow 1 to 2%, probably in the third quarter.
Minn. House, Senate support storm-related relief, but differ on other energy issues
Legislation in both chambers would cushion the blow of huge natural gas price spikes, while the House has ambitious energy-spending plans for items such as weatherization.
Rare PFAS factory shutdown in Belgium costs 3M
Belgian regulators ordered 3M to temporarily close the plant months ago and a fix to reopen it has proved elusive.
3M wins latest earplug case, a turnaround from recent losses
In the largest ever U.S. mass tort, a Florida jury disagreed with plaintiff's claim that 3M military earplugs damaged her hearing.
Another $50M award levied against 3M in earplug lawsuit
It is the third recent judgment of that size in bellwether cases regarding 3M military earplugs.
State regulators nix Xcel plan for ratepayer-funded electric vehicle rebates
The program would have provided up to $150 million in rebates for EV purchases. The Public Utilities Commission did approve a $5 million Xcel plan for rural EV fast chargers.
High fuel costs threaten Minnesota economy
Any damage to consumers and businesses depends on how long oil prices remain elevated.
North Dakota producers not adding investment despite high oil prices
The U.S. oil industry has a newfound discipline keeping it from turning on the spigots. In North Dakota, production fell in January.
Under new settlement, CenterPoint's residential customers would get 3.9% increase in monthly bills
Commercial customers would see a larger increase in rates.
Cargill scales back in Russia, continues food operations
The Minnetonka-based agribusiness is straddling the geopolitical fence as public pressure to withdraw from Russia grows. The agriculture behemoth is one of the largest non-Russian exporters of Russian wheat and owns a complex of mills south of Moscow.
Costs mount for 3M as earplug trials drag on
Former and active military members have claimed six victories in product liability suits against 3M, while the company has won five in the largest mass tort in U.S. history.
DNR files $2.2M bill for policing during Enbridge Line 3 construction
The Department of Natural Resources is the largest recipient of PUC funds that pay for policing of Line 3 construction.
War in Ukraine upends global ag markets as Minnesota farmers prepare for new crop
Farmers welcome rising wheat, corn and soybean prices, but they also face soaring energy and fertilizer costs.
Costs for gasoline, heating gas, electricity are all going up — here's why
The U.S. Consumer Price Index was up 7.5% in January — a 40-year record.
Minnesotans with ties to Ukraine nervously eye situation
The Eastern European nation has been in limbo for weeks as Russia makes moves suggesting an invasion.
Minnesota nickel mine project gets $6.2M infusion to study carbon storage
Effort will examine whether carbon dioxide sucked from air can be stored underground and effectively turned to rock.
North Dakota now seen as slow-growth 'mature' oil market
So says state minerals director after meeting with top industry executives.
Enbridge misses Minnesota hiring goals for Line 3, exceeds promised spending with Indigenous firms
However, the company met all goals in contracts with union locals serving Minnesota regarding the new pipeline.
Great River reapproves coal plant and power line deal
Co-op members approve the sale to Rainbow Energy Marketing. Great River's largest member, Connexus, still voted against the deal.
To build or not to build in Becker: Google is still on the fence
Xcel recently acknowledged concerns over the $600 million project. Google says it hasn't abandoned the idea.
State regulators approve Xcel plan that shifts from coal to nuclear energy, renewables
Company wants to close its coal plants by 2030, extend the life of its Monticello reactor by 10 years and add new solar and wind farms.
Carbon dioxide pipelines for Minnesota fall into regulatory black hole
Two multibillion-dollar pipelines would ship CO2 produced by ethanol plants to other states for underground storage.
Court backs DNR in axing leases for beleaguered Nashwauk iron ore project
Judge rules state acted properly after Mesabi Metallics failed to put up $200 million by May 2021 deadline
Xcel fourth-quarter profits up 7%, mostly on tax benefits
Minnesota's largest utility company closed 2021 by meeting profit forecasts for 17th straight year.
What will best keep Xcel's grid reliable in a pinch: Gas plants or batteries?
Xcel wants two new gas peaking plants, while clean power groups say the job can be done with grid batteries, as Minnesota's largest utility plans how to replace its coal plants in Becker.
Great River signs agreement to build big North Dakota wind farm
The project would replace some coal power transported to Minnesota in wake of controversial deal.
It's final — Prince's estate is worth $156.4 million
As a nearly six-year probate case winds down, the process of distributing the star musician's wealth could begin in February.
North Dakota oil output jumps 4.4% in strong month
The state in November posted its highest oil production in nearly a year.
State regulators order Minnesota Power to return nearly $4.5M to ratepayers
The Public Utilities Commission, agreeing with a ruling from an administrative law judge, reprimanded the Duluth-based utility for not properly maintaining a steam pipe at its Cohasset plant, causing a hazardous condition.
Enbridge-funded state account has paid over $4.5M for Line 3 policing
Meanwhile, several hundred cases are still pending against protestors charged with trespass and other crimes.
Proposed northern Minnesota nickel mine signs deal with Tesla
Under the deal, Tesla would buy about half of Tamarack Mine's projected production.
Great River deal to sell key power line to the Twin Cities gets regulatory OK
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission voted 5-0 to approve the sale in the last big hurdle for the controversial deal to offload its massive North Dakota coal plant.
State says Xcel's inoperable gas plants added tens of millions to February storm costs
The Minnesota Department Commerce is recommending that state utility regulators disallow a big portion of what Xcel wants to charge ratepayers to the historic gas costs.
Minnesota probate court set to discuss 'final distribution' of Prince estate in February
Other hurdles may arise, but the estate and IRS settled on a final valuation of the superstar's assets.
Enbridge says aggressive climate policies shortening life of its pipelines
Questions, including in recent regulatory filings, have been raised over how long the newly built Line 3 will be economically viable.
In unusual move, Minn. utility regulators slash CenterPoint's rate request
Public Utilities Commission members said they could not ignore economic constraints on customers of the state's largest gas utility.
Planned Minnesota high-grade nickel mine would be U.S. rarity
The Tamarack mine in Aitkin County, which would primarily produce nickel, will soon begin Minnesota's permitting process. It's likely to face a fight over environmental concerns.
Higher prices benefiting North Dakota oil industry
While production is down, the companies are making more because oil prices are at their highest since 2014.
3M loses case, wins another in legal war over its military earplugs
After seven bellwether trials in what could be the largest ever U.S. mass tort, plaintiffs have won four of seven cases heard.
3M fails to overturn regulators' shutdown of PFAS production in Belgium
3M had argued for an "urgent" suspension of the ban put in place two weeks ago.
CenterPoint, Xcel file for gas rate increases of over 6%
Both utilities also offered alternative plans to soften the blow on Minnesota consumers as heating and other energy costs are already spiking.
3M PFAS production shut down in Belgium by environmental regulators
The Belgian regulators' edict to stop PFAS production came after recent blood samples of 800 people near the plant.
Xcel unveils goal of carbon-neutral natural gas by 2050
Minnesota's largest utility already had a net-zero goal for electricity. Now, it's laying out a path to net out the carbon impact of natural gas consumption.
3M prevails in latest trial involving military earplugs
There are about 10 bellwether cases in the complicated liability cases against 3M regarding the earplugs. Juries found for 3M in one other case and against the company in three of them.
Xcel looking at clean-energy hydrogen projects
The company's CEO noted the development on an earnings call; its profits were flat and missed analysts' forecasts.
3M profits flatten, but beat Wall Street estimates
Like other big industrial companies, 3M is dealing with supply disruption and inflation.
Xcel wants to increase home electricity bills by nearly 20%
Minnesota's largest electric utility filed its rate case Monday with the state Public Utilities Commission, which must approve it.
Fatal crash closes northbound Hwy. 100 in Brooklyn Center
A deadly automobile accident in Brooklyn Center shut down a stretch of northbound Hwy. 100 late Saturday night.The Minnesota State Patrol said it was investigating…
New Canadian railroad venture boosts number of oil trains in state
A new railway venture says technology makes the crude less flammable and hazardous — but critics have their doubts.
North Dakota oil production up nearly 3% in August
The state's oil and gas output rose 2.8 % in August, while high oil prices bode well for future.
Northern Oil inks $154M deal for North Dakota oil properties
It's the third acquisition — for a total of $382.2 million — the company has made in the past nine months.
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Upper Midwest renewable energy projects spark need for more power lines
The grid is getting congested as more wind and solar farms connect. A transmission buildout would be extensive — and expensive.
St. Louis Park company behind novel $2.5B Soo Green Line underground power line project
The power line would send Midwest wind energy east but is facing delays as the company building it tries to get needed approvals for the project.
Latest trial over allegedly defective earplugs goes against 3M
A jury in Florida awarded a plaintiff $8.2 million in the fourth bellwether trial over 3M's Combat Arms earplugs.
Controversial Line 3 done; oil set to flow Friday, Enbridge says
The $3 billion pipeline, dogged by protests over fossil fuels, took nine months to build.
Leck Sengsoulichanh, Minnesota immigrant who fought with U.S. forces in Laos, dies at 81
During the Vietnam War's "secret war" in Southeast Asia, Leck Sengsoulichanh fought with the Laotian army as it supported U.S. troops.For his efforts, he spent…
Planned Minn. wind farm to be moved farther from Jeffers Petroglyphs site
Dakota bands and the Minnesota Historical Society have reached a settlement with an energy developer on the proximity of a wind farm to the Jeffers Petroglyphs.
As insurers retreat from oil projects, Enbridge says coverage will be harder to get
Enbridge tells regulators that while it has required coverage now for Line 3, the pipeline insurance market is tightening.
North Dakota oil output drops as state falls in national crude production rankings
North Dakota oil production fell 5 % in July and has been lackluster compared to the new No. 2 oil state: New Mexico.
DNR says Enbridge broke law, must pay over $3 million for construction mistake
The DNR says the company pierced an aquifer and endangered a unique wetland.
DNR takes fight against novel Line 3 lawsuit to federal appeals court
A U.S. District Court earlier rejected the DNR's attempt to stop the suit — which names wild rice as a defendant —from proceeding in tribal court.
PUC delays approval of Great River power line sale
The utility regulator wants more information from the buyer about how it would handle long-term decommissioning of the transmission line.
