Media Advisory: PSC to Hold Listening Session in Miles City on MDU Rates
The Montana Public Service Commission will host a listening session in Miles City, Montana, where interested members of the public can provide comment on a recent request from Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. to raise its rates for electric service.
WHO: Montana Public Service Commission
WHAT: Listening session to receive public comment on MDU's proposed rates.
WHEN: June 15, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: City Hall, 17 S. 8th Street, Miles City, Montana
On November 4, 2022, MDU filed a request to raise its rates by $10,499,415, which would affect approximately 25,600 electric customers in Montana. The proposed rate change would increase the average residential customer’s rates by 19.2%.
MDU also requested interim rate relief in the amount of $1,716,219, which the Commission granted on January 25, 2023. The interim rates took effect on February 1, 2023.
The Montana Consumer Counsel and Denbury Onshore LLC intervened and opposed elements of MDU's request. The MCC initially recommended an overall rate increase of $4,729,691, and later reduced its recommended rate increase to $3,556,380. Denbury recommended an overall rate increase of $3,781,920.
On March 15, 2023, MDU raised its revenue proposal and requested authority to increase its rates by $11,553,670, instead of $10,499,415.
On June 12, 2023, MDU, MCC, and Denbury filed a settlement agreement, which recommended the Commission approve a $6.1 million increase in electric rates. The proposed settlement would increase the average residential customer’s rates by 9.1%, relative to rates in effect before February 1, 2023.
The Commission may approve or reject the settlement filed by the parties. If the Commission rejects the parties’ settlement, all parties have reserved the right to present evidence and argument in favor of their original positions.
The purpose of the listening session is to receive public comment on MDU’s Application and the proposed settlement. Comment at the session may be provided in-person, by telephone, or by videoconference. Commissioner Randy Pinocci will chair the listening session, with other Commissioners participating remotely by videoconference. Commissioners and Commission staff will not take questions at the listening session.
Commenters participating by telephone or videoconference must sign up to receive participation instructions. To sign up, please contact the Commission at 1-800-646-6150 or pschelp@mt.gov by 5:00 p.m. on June 14, 2023.
The Public Service Commission regulates private investor-owned natural gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewer companies, certain motor carriers, and oversees natural gas pipeline safety and intrastate railroad safety. The elected, five-member Commission and its expert staff work to fairly balance the interests of regulated companies and the public they serve. For more information, visit psc.mt.gov, call 1-800-646-6150, follow the Commission at twitter.com/MT_PSC, or check for updates at facebook.com/MontanaPSC.
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