PSC approves Xcel natural gas interim rate increase

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Xcel Energy natural gas customers will see their monthly bills go up by an average of $5.60, as the Public Service Commission has granted the utility an interim rate increase.

The utility does not set the rates for the natural gas itself – but only on getting the gas to the home of business. It is separate from the pass-through gas cost, which is about triple what it was last year.

Public Service Commissioner Brian Kroshus said Xcel has not had a rate increase of this kind since 2006.

Kroshus said he understands why Xcel made the request.

“We do have a responsibility to make sure that service to customers across the state and within any utility’s footprint is done efficiently and in particular, safely,” Kroshus said. “It’s just that the timing is less than ideal, given the spike in natural gas prices that the market is currently experiencing and that will fall on the backs of consumers and businesses.”

Kroshus said utilities are entitled to interim rate increases, and if the PSC ultimately finds the interim rates are higher than the final rate decision, consumers will get a refund.

(KNOX/ND PPR)