Title
Approving the request of District Energy St. Paul, Inc. to amend District Cooling rates for fiscal year 2026.
Body
WHEREAS, District Energy St. Paul, Inc. filed a notice and official affidavit on August 15, 2025, notifying the City of Saint Paul of a proposed cooling rate change; and
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council acknowledged receipt of the notice of proposed cooling rate change on September 17, 2025 via RES 25-1346 and directed staff to review and analyze the rate change; and
WHEREAS, the cooling rate change became effective October 1, 2025, until approved or denied by the Saint Paul City Council pursuant to Section 11(e) of the Saint Paul Legislative Code, Appendix K - District Cooling Franchise; and
WHEREAS, evidence and recommendations have been presented to the City Council in the form of the attached City staff report submitted to the City Council in conjunction with a public hearing on this matter; and
WHEREAS, the overall cooling system customer rates as proposed by District Energy St. Paul, Inc. represent an average overall cost increase of 3.17%, based on 1200 utilization hours, from fiscal year 2025 rates, and thus formal approval by City Council Resolution is required;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council approves the following cooling system customer billing rates changes as proposed by District Energy St Paul, Inc. per the attached amended Schedule A:
1. The cooling demand rate increases from $34.19 to $34.53 per ton per month effective for fiscal year 2025.
2. The cooling energy rate increases from $0.099 to $0.110 per ton-hour effective for fiscal year 2025.
3. The cooling transition rate remains flat from $0.441 to $0.455 per ton-hour at 1200 utilization hours effective for fiscal year 2025.