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"Oct. 25, 2023"






October 2023 Consumer News





*We want to hear from you!*?The MN Department of Commerce wants to understand what newsletter topics are of most interest to Minnesotans. *Share your opinions via this short survey* [ [link removed] ]*.?*

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mother and child snuggling
Save energy, save money, stay warm

Now that Minnesota's weather is turning colder, it's time to get the coats and blankets out - and also wrap your home in warmth. Weatherizing your home can involve easy, affordable steps.?Get the most out of your home heating this winter and find out how you can *reduce your energy costs by up to 30%* with weatherization and energy efficiency steps.??

*RESOURCES:*?Check out this video on Commerce's YouTube channel:?*12 energy saving tips* [ [link removed] ].? For more detailed info, check our comprehensive *Home Energy Guide [ [link removed] ]*.

Do you - or someone you know, a family member, friend, neighbor or community member - struggle to pay heating bills??The* Energy Assistance Program [ [link removed] ]* [ [link removed] ] *helps renters and homeowners* pay their energy bills. The *application process * [ [link removed] ]is quick and easy, with income-eligible households receiving an average of $500.? Applying for energy assistance may also qualify you for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides?home improvements to permanently reduce energy costs.

Under Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule, residential utility customers can avoid having your electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30 - as long as you have contacted your utility company to set a payment plan and then keep up with those payments.?See the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission info on?*shutoff protection [ [link removed] ]*



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ENFORCEMENT:? Liberty Mutual agrees to repay $7.7 million to over 86,000 policyholders in consent order with the MN Department of Commerce

Liberty Mutual has agreed to repay approximately $7.7 million to 86,506 policyholders for auto and homeowner insurance policies in the form of refunds, credits and premium discounts.??The order is the result of an investigation by Commerce?s Enforcement Division, which alleges that Liberty Mutual violated several state insurance regulation laws. *See the press release and consent order here* [ [link removed] ]*.?*

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photo of marty fleischhacker speaking to a group about financial fraqud
In the News: Arcadian Bank, Albert Lea law enforcement hold fraud prevention seminar

Earlier this month, KIMT 3 TV in Rochester reported about* fraud experts in Albert Lea who offered a seminar on preventing senior fraud [ [link removed] ]* [ [link removed] ]after noticing an alarming increase in scams.?According to the Albert Lea Police Department, the city has seen over 50 cases of fraud being reported each year, over the last two years. Martin Fleischhacker, a senior financial fraud ombudsman from Commerce, presented at the seminar about common scams, red flags and how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.?*Phone scammers continue to be a growing problem* in southeastern Minnesota and elsewhere. More info from Commerce: *Senior Fraud [ [link removed] ]*.??



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child smiling outside the commerce booth at a public event
Commerce in the Community??

As part of our outreach mission, Commerce has been at community events to interact with Minnesotans, including Open Streets in Minneapolis, the Latine community heritage celebration in West St. Paul, and?Indigenous People's Day at Harriet Island Park. Look for Commerce at upcoming events.??



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MNsure TV ad Oct 2023
MNsure open enrollment begins Nov. 1

Minnesotans who need health insurance can?shop and compare health plans on?*MNsure.org* [ [link removed] ]. As?Minnesota's health insurance marketplace,?MNsure is the only place you can qualify for financial help that can lower the cost of your monthly insurance premium.?MNsure open enrollment for 2024 opens Nov. 1, 2023.?



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*WORK FOR COMMERCE*

Join our teams in energy, finance, insurance, and more:? mn.gov/Commerce/Careers [ [link removed] ].??

Commerce job opportunities





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Get updates and news from the Minnesota Department of Commerce on our website [ [link removed] ]?or @MNCommerce on social media.

Twitter [ [link removed] ]?|??Facebook [ [link removed] ]??|??YouTube [ [link removed] ]??|??LinkedIn [ [link removed] ]








*Minnesota Department of Commerce*
85 7th Place East, Suite 280
St. Paul, MN 55101

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