RELEASE: Rep. Ron Kresha Set to Introduce Legislation to Reduce Duplicative Legal Costs in Utility Rate Cases

Rep. Ron Kresha Set to Introduce Legislation to Reduce Duplicative Legal Costs in Utility Rate Cases

St. Paul, MN — State Representative Ron Kresha (R–Little Falls) has legislation, ready to be introduced during the 2026 legislative session, to eliminate duplicative legal work in utility rate cases and reduce unnecessary costs that are ultimately passed on to Minnesota ratepayers.

These utility rate cases largely apply to rate-regulated gas and electric utilities, as most Cooperatives and Municipal utilities set their own rates.

Under current law, both the Minnesota Department of Commerce and the Attorney General’s Office independently intervene in utility rate cases before the Public Utilities Commission on behalf of residential and small business customers. However, state statute already requires the Attorney General to serve as legal counsel for the Department of Commerce in these proceedings, resulting in ratepayers effectively paying for two sets of lawyers and expert witnesses making substantially similar arguments.

“This bill is about basic accountability and common sense,” Rep. Kresha said. “Minnesotans deserve strong consumer protection in utility rate cases, but they should not be forced to pay twice for the same work. The purpose of this bill is to make sure ratepayer dollars are spent wisely and that our regulatory process is focused, efficient, and effective.”

The legislation repeals Minnesota Statutes section 8.33, which authorizes the Attorney General’s independent participation in rate cases, while preserving the Department of Commerce’s role as the state’s consumer advocate. The Attorney General would continue to provide legal representation to the department, ensuring consumer interests remain fully protected without unnecessary duplication.

In recent rate cases, filings from the Department of Commerce and the Attorney General’s Residential Utilities Division have frequently mirrored one another on key issues, including rate increases, cost allocation, and protections against rate shock. Rep. Kresha’s bill seeks to streamline the process, reduce administrative costs, and improve efficiency without weakening oversight.

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