Rate Cases

North Dakota

Notice of North Dakota Public Input Sessions

The North Dakota Public Service Commission has scheduled two informal public input sessions to be held on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 12:00 (Noon) p.m. Central Time and 5:30 p.m. Central Time to allow customers of Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. the opportunity to provide input regarding Montana-Dakota’s application to increase their natural gas rates filed with the PSC on November 1, 2023.

Montana-Dakota’s request is for an overall increase of 7.45% over current rates or approximately $11.6 million in additional annual revenues if approved by the PSC. Investments in system upgrades and pipeline replacement projects enhancing the reliability, safety and integrity of the natural gas system, as well as increased costs to operate and maintain that system, are the main reasons for the increase request. If the increase is granted as filed, a residential customer’s bill would increase approximately $5.90 a month.

Proposed rate schedules and supporting testimony and schedules are available at https://www.montana-dakota.com/rates-services/rate-cases/#north_dakota or by contacting a customer service representative at 1-800-638-3278.

Public input sessions provide a chance for customers to learn more about the rate case issues. Customers are encouraged to make comments, suggestions and ask questions regarding Montana-Dakota’s application.

You are invited to participate in a
public input session on July 22, 2024
@ 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Central Time
OR
@ 5:30 p.m. Central Time

The public is encouraged to view the Public Input Sessions electronically via https://psc.nd.gov/public/meetings/live.php. The public is also invited to appear and participate in the Public Input Sessions at the PSC Hearing Room on the 12th Floor of the State Capitol, 600 East Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, North Dakota.

The Commission will receive public input through the following methods:

• In-person

• Virtually/Video Conference – The public may provide input via video conference at the following link during the public input sessions. https://meet.goto.com/609284261

• Telephonic – The public may provide input over the phone by calling 1-888-585-9008 with room code 671-872-185.

• Written – Written public input may be submitted at any time through email via [email protected] or by mail addressed to: Executive Secretary, 600 East Boulevard Ave, Dept 408, Bismarck, ND 58505-0480

A technical hearing will be held on the matter beginning September 30, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. Central Time at the same location.

For more information, please contact the North Dakota Public Service Commission, State Capitol, Bismarck, North Dakota 58505 or at 701-328-2400 or Relay North Dakota 1-800-366-6888 TTY. If you require any auxiliary aids or services, such as readers, signers, or Braille materials, please notify the Commission at least 24 hours in advance.

North Dakota PSC approves interim price increase

The North Dakota Public Service Commission on Dec. 13, 2023, approved an interim price increase in Montana-Dakota Utilities’ natural gas rate case. The interim increase took effect on Jan. 1, 2024. The average residential customer will see a monthly increase of $5.20.

If the final approval by the PSC is lower than the interim increase, Montana-Dakota will refund the difference to customers with interest.

Montana-Dakota Utilities files natural gas price increase request

Montana-Dakota Utilities on Nov. 1, 2023, filed with the North Dakota Public Service Commission a natural gas price increase request of approximately $11.6 million in annual revenues. If approved, it would increase residential customers’ monthly bill by an average of about $5.90 per month.

Investments in system upgrades and pipeline replacement projects enhancing the reliability, safety and integrity of the natural gas system, as well as increased costs to operate and maintain that system, are the main reasons for the increase request.

Montana-Dakota also is seeking to combine natural gas operations within North Dakota, which means transitioning the 2,346 customers in Wahpeton and surrounding area from Great Plains Natural Gas to Montana-Dakota Utilities for regulatory reporting purposes. (Great Plains Natural Gas is a division of Montana-Dakota Utilities). Upon implementation of final rates in this case, Great Plains customers will be served under its own Montana-Dakota’s tariff, but will continue to receive a Great Plains bill for six months. After the six-month period, customers will begin receiving their natural gas bills under a Montana-Dakota invoice.

As part of this increase request, the impact for an average Great Plains residential customer using 80 dekatherms per year is about $5.15 per month — $62 annually.

Montana-Dakota also filed a request with the PSC for an interim price increase of $10.1 million over current revenues, which, if approved, would be implemented while the PSC reviews the overall request. Interim rates allow the company to collect new revenues while the overall request is pending before the commission; revenues collected are subject to refund if the PSC approves a lower amount than the interim rate. The impact for residential customers would be:

• $5.20 for a Montana-Dakota residential customer
• $2.90 for a Wahpeton residential customer

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 this website.

Exhibit No.___(LEK-3)_MDU Gas Plant Report

Exhibit No.___(LEK-4)_MDU Common Plant Report

Vol. I Letter_Application_Appendices_Direct Testimonies

Vol. II Statements A-L_Workpapers Statements

Vol. III Interim Application

South Dakota

South Dakota has no rate cases at this time.