Prairie Public Broadcasting

PSC hearing Xcel Energy rate increase request BISMARCK, ND (NDPR) - The Public Service Commission has begun a hearing on an electric rate-increase proposal from Xcel Energy.

Xcel wants to raise its rates 14 percent. It had been granted an 11 and a half percent interim rate increase -- and that's allowed by state law.

"One of the issues is -- we have had a number of requirements that have been put in place by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and the Minnesota Legislature," said PSC President Susan Wefald. Those requirements include more emphasis on renewable fuels. Xcel was singled out in that legislation, because it is Minnesota's biggest utility.

"Our staff is raising questions about whether mandates set in that state should be approved by us," said Wefald.

"From everything I've read, in terms of pre-filed testimony and rebuttal testimony, it seems like the real argument leans toward how the costs will be allocated," said Commissioner Kevin Cramer. "The question is whether it is appropriate for North Dakota ratepayers to pay it or not."

The PSC will have a ruling later this summer. © Copyright 2009, NDPR