Montana-Dakota Utilities files electric increase request in Montana

BISMARCK, N.D. – June 25, 2015 – Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. filed an electric rate increase request with the Montana Public Service Commission Thursday, June 25. If approved, it would increase residential customers’ monthly bill by an average of about $14.80 a month.

“There are three main drivers for this request to increase annual revenues,” said Nicole Kivisto, president and chief executive officer of Montana-Dakota. “The reasons are the investment in pollution control projects to comply with federal environmental regulations; additional electric generation to serve the growing needs of our customers; and additional transmission services to meet demand and provide for added reliability.”

The proposed increase is for $11.8 million annually over current rates, or a 21.1 percent overall increase. Montana-Dakota serves about 25,840 electric customers in 30 Montana communities.

The requested increase of 21.1 percent is proposed to be allocated equally to each rate class.

Montana-Dakota’s last electric rate increase was $2.6 million, or 6.23 percent, in 2011. The gross investment in Montana electric operations has increased by $126 million, or approximately 60 percent, since that time.

The Montana PSC has up to 10 months to issue a decision on the proposed increase request.

Montana-Dakota encourages customers to use energy wisely. Conservation tips, information on energy assistance and information on the company’s balanced billing program can be found on Montana-Dakota’s website: www.montana-dakota.com.