STILLWATER, Minn. — Some Xcel Energy customers voiced frustration at a public hearing Monday night, as the utility company seeks approval for a new round of rate increases . The hearing at the Washington County Heritage Center in Stillwater was the first of nine scheduled meetings where the public can weigh in on the proposal before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission makes its decision to approve, deny or modify the plan.

Under the proposed plan, Xcel is asking for a 9.6% increase in 2025, totaling $353.3 million, followed by an additional 3.6% hike in 2026, amounting to $137.5 million. In total, the two-year plan would raise rates by 13.2%, or $490.7 million.

The proposal marks the company’s first rate increase request since 2021, when a three-year plan was approved by the stat

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