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PSC considering settlement in Xcel electric rate case

Dave Thompson
North Dakota Public Service Commission

Xcel electric customers in North Dakota will see their power bills rise by about 3.4 percent, if the North Dakota Public Service Commission approves.

That rate was the result of settlement negotiations between the utility, PSC staff and interveners.

Xcel had filed for a 10.8 percent increase last November. It reduced that to 9.3 percent in March. Now, the parties have agreed to 3.4 percent.

"Some very tough negotiations between the parties," said Xcel regional vice president Greg Chamberlain. "I believe we came out with a very fair settlement, and one that's beneficial to our North Dakota customers."

AARP North Dakota was one of the interveners in the case.

"Obviously, we'd love to see no increase," said ARRP state director Josh Askvig. "But we also understand that there is a need to continue to have reliability."

Askvig said his organization is happy to stand up for consumers.

Xcel customers will see an increase of about $2.50 per month on their bills. Xcel will also be allowed to raise its monthly residential fixed charge from $14.50 to $15. Askvig called that acceptable.

"It's the same percentage increase as the overall 3.4 percent," Askvig said.

Because Xcel received an interim rate increase that was higher than the settlement, customers will see a refund, estimated to be about $26 per residential customer.

The PSC has not taken formal action.