Bill aims to make utility company expenses public

Minnesota public utility companies could have to keep track of travel and entertainment expenses under a proposal facing the Legislature.

A Legislative panel is discussing a bill Wednesday that would require companies that provide electricity, natural gas, water and sewage to disclose travel and other expenses deemed unnecessary for a business that provides public infrastructure services.

The bill brought by Democratic Rep. Debra Hilstrom of Brooklyn Park would make the data open to the public.

Under the bill, companies like Xcel Energy would have to disclose everything from lodging and food expenses to dollars spent on club dues, gifts and lobbyists.

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