Prairie Public Broadcasting

PSC considering electric rates BISMARCK, ND (NDPR) - The Public Service Commission will be waiting for some further information from Xcel Energy -- and the consultant it hired -- before it makes a decision on Xcel's 15-percent electric rate increase.

The PSC held a hearing on the rates last week. Commission president Susan Wefald says there are a number of issues.

"They include mandates from the state of Minnesota, and whether rate payers from North Dakota should pay for those mandates," said Wefald. "We'll look at whether a wind farm that was required to be built in southern Minnesota should be discounted from the North Dakota rate."

"Advocacy staff is basically saying, 'the Minnesota dog is wagging the North Dakota tail,'" said Commissioner Tony Clark. "There are a number of instances -- wind power development is one -- and there are a number of other investments Xcel has made because of mandates imposed by the Minnesota Legislature."

Xcel officials say they believe they have shown the rate increase is justified.


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