Projecting an increase of $4.70 in the customer monthly bill, the company attributed the increase to general inflation, property taxes, enhancements to customer service programs, efforts to expand the customer base, and operations/maintenance projects to ensure reliability and safety for customers.
Despite the proposed natural gas rate increase, which represents Minnesota Energy’s first rate increase in three years, typical residential customers will pay less than six years ago, according to the utility.
Minnesota Energy president Barb Nick said,"This modest request to increase rates is a result of investing in our infrastructure to increase the reliability of our system and to enhance our focus on public safety, while we hold the line on costs."
The rate increase is expected to start on 1 January 2014 on an interim basis, pending Commission approval of final rates.
