Prairie Public Broadcasting

Xcel electric rate increase hearing complete BISMARCK, ND (NDPR) - A spokesman for Xcel Energy says he believes the company has made a good case for a nearly 15 percent electric rate increase.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission has just concluded a three-day hearing in that case.

"We've demonstrated the benefits to North Dakota customers," said David Sederquist, Xcel's senior regulatory consultant. "It's been 15 years since our last rate case, and our goal remains the same: to continue to be a low-cost energy supplier."

A consultant hired by the PSC to represent consumer interests says mandates imposed by Minnesota should not be a part of the North Dakota case.

Charles King says the Minnesota mandates have forced the company to build wind generation in Minnesota -- including a 100-megawatt wind farm in southern Minnesota, known as the "Grand Meadows" project. King says because of that, he doesn't know if that project is cost-effective versus North Dakota wind power, either built by Xcel or purchased from another supplier.

Both Xcel and the PSC-hired consultants will file further briefs in the rate case -- and then the Commission will get to work on crafting an order.

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