Rocky Mountain Power proposes rate hike

Residential, commercial, and irrigation customers of Rocky Mountain Power would pay an extra 1.8 percent for electricity if the Idaho Public Utilities Commission approves Rocky Mountain Power’s annual energy cost adjustment.

The mechanism is designed to track the difference between the company’s actual expenses for fuel and other costs and the amount the company collects through current rates.

Most customers saw a 2 percent reduction in electricity prices last year.

According to the utility, this year’s increase is driven by increased fuel costs, lower hydroelectric conditions, and lower revenues from sales to other companies.

If approved, the proposal would raise prices for residential customers by $1.2 million or 1.6 percent. Commercial and most industrial rates would increase 1.7 to 2.6 percent and irrigation rates would increase by 1.9 percent.

The utility’s two largest industrial customers’ rates would increase by 8 to 8.1 percent.

Copies of the proposal are available at the Idaho PUC office in Boise and at Rocky Mountain Power offices in Rexburg, Preston, Shelley and Montpelier.

The Public Utilities Commission will be reviewing the company’s proposal over the next several months.