MDU Proposes Rate Increase

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota regulators are holding public meetings via interactive television on a proposed rate hike by Montana-Dakota Utilities.

MDU is proposing a 10 percent increase in the base rate - a monthly charge all customers pay regardless of how much electricity they use, to cover the costs of bringing service to a home.

If the Public Service Commission approves, the rate would go from $5.50 per month to $10.64 per month. It would generate $11.5 million for the company, which has more than 75,000 customers in North Dakota.

Rita Mulken with MDU says the increase is needed to make up for increasing costs and less power sales on the open market. Mandan customer Harvey Christian says the base charge discriminates against people on fixed incomes and those who leave the state for the winter.

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