Xcel strikes deal for 7.5% Minnesota gas rate increase

Xcel Energy has agreed to a somewhat smaller bill increase for natural gas customers in Minnesota, as long as state utility regulators approve a deal the company negotiated with state officials, unions and affordability advocates. Minneapolis-based Xcel said Wednesday it would shrink its original request for a 9.6%, $59.03 million rate increase to a 7.5%, $46.31 million hike on bills. Under the agreement, the increase for residential customers would be smaller than for large commercial businesses and would result in bills that are $4.20 per month higher for the average...