Black Hills Energy is asking state regulators to approve a $5.1 million annual rate increase for its 2,600 Wyoming customers. If approved, it would represent a 32% increase and raise monthly bills for the average customer by about $32.
Local Impact
The rate request applies to the company’s customers in northeast Wyoming, mostly around Upton and Newcastle. The company cites infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, as well as new electrical generation facilities, as reasons for the rate hike.
Some customers, including Debra Sewell, who works with the Weston County Humane Society, have expressed concerns about the affordability of the rate increase. Sewell is also concerned about the impact on her elderly neighbors who live on fixed incomes.
Torrington Republican Sen. Cheri Steinmetz noted that her constituents who live in the utility’s service territory will experience a multiplier increase, first with the 32% hike at home and again when they shop at local businesses, which would experience an increase of about 44%.
Regulatory Review
The Wyoming Office of Consumer Advocate is asking the Public Service Commission to approve a slightly smaller rate hike for the company, trimming the $5.1 million figure to about $3.6 million. The office also recommends an effective date of Feb. 1, 2027, rather than the company’s requested retroactive date of May 1.
The Public Service Commission will schedule a full hearing regarding Black Hills Energy’s general rate request on Oct. 7 and 8. Written comments can be emailed to [email protected], referencing Docket No. 20002-148-ER-26.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
