Proposed NSP rate hikes in Minneapolis prompt citizen group response
October 18, 1973 - NSP has requested a twenty percent rate hike in electric rates. St. Paul has a provision in its charter to allow public hearings before rates go into effect, Minneapolis does not. St. Paul residents pay less than Minneapolis. Bill Mailand, vice-president of the Greater Metropolitan Federation says the Minneapolis charter should be amended to allow a hearing. Ruth Murphy, president of the Greater Metropolitan Federation says even if a hearing is held it would have no legal effect on rate hikes. A petition drive would be needed to make this a city council priority. She says the people in this city have no say; witness the domed stadium issue. Mailand says it?s difficult to lobby against the big utilities.