Utilities report more credit-card payments

ST. PAUL (AP) — More Twin Cities residents are using credit cards to keep up with their utility bills.

At the largest electric co-op in Minnesota, Connexus Energy, households are using credit cards 15 percent more than usual.
Dakota Electric Association, based in Farmington, reports a 12 percent increase in credit-card payments.

Xcel Energy said credit and debit card transactions have gone up 11 percent, but the utility doesn't differentiate between the two types of payments.

Officials at Financial Rehabilitation Inc., a Minneapolis nonprofit, say the increase in credit payments isn't a good sign.

Director Tara McCarthy said people are postponing even basic expenses, which means they're struggling to make ends meet.

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