Golden Valley Residents May See Increase in CenterPoint Energy Bills

On Dec. 18, the Golden Valley City Council will listen to feedback from residents at a public hearing about a proposed CenterPoint Energy franchise fee that would help fund local infrastructure projects.

If the fee is approved, Golden Valley will other cities that have franchise fees, like nearby  Hopkins and St. Louis Park.

In a statement released by the City of Golden Valley on Dec. 5, Director of Public Works Jeannine Clancy said that the fee system would begin in April and CenterPoint Energy would add the following flat fees to Golden Valley customers’ monthly bills:

• $2 for residential customers
• $3.50 for small commercial properties
• $22.50 for larger commercial/industrial properties
• $206 for commercial/industrial properties with dual fuel rates

"The proposed CenterPoint franchise fee is expected to provide approximately $447,000 in annual revenue, which will not be enough to address the city’s infrastructure issues," Clancy wrote in a press release. "The funds will be coupled with other fees, grants, assessments, etc. to pay for projects such as reconstruction of Douglas Dr. between Hwy 55 and Medicine Lake Rd., Zane Ave. between Hwy 55 and Golden Valley Rd., and Lindsay St. between Zane Ave. and Lilac Dr., among others."