Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns would pay a little more on their power bills in the wake of a settlement of Rocky Mountain Power's most recent rate request.
If approved by the Utah Public Service Commission, the utility would effectively raise residential electricity rates about 4.7 percent or about $3.50 per month for the average household.
The utility has agreed to decrease the amount of its earlier rate-hike request from $188 million to $117 million, combined with a rebate that would lower the net overall impact to customers, according to spokesman David Eskelsen.
"We think (the compromise) is a very good result for the company and our customers," he said.
He said the utility is using the added revenue to improve infrastructure and acquire additional resources to ensure reliable electric service.
While the settlement was reached in principle, final approval is still pending, he said. The PSC is expected to rule on the settlement on Sept. 21.
In addition, the utility will receive a $60 million rate increase beginning next June. In the meantime, hearings are scheduled for next week to review testimony from interested parties.
The director of the Utah Office of Consumer Services — the state's utility watchdog agency — said the settlement addresses customer and utility needs in a fair and equitable manner.
Email:jlee@ksl.com
