On Sept. 19, Dakota Electric Association filed a rate case with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission seeking an overall increase of about 4.3 percent. If approved, this increase would add approximately $4.22 to the average residential member’s monthly bill, using 700 kilowatt-hours per month. Dakota Electric’s last rate filing was filed in 2014.
Dakota Electric is asking the MPUC for an interim increase of 3.0 percent. This interim increase, which would add approximately $2.85 to the average residential member’s monthly bill, is expected to appear on members’ bills in December reflecting November usage.
After a thorough investigation, the MPUC will order final rates and charges, which may be different from those Dakota Electric requested. These final rates and charges will become effective at a date set by the MPUC. If the overall approved increase is lower than interim rates, Dakota Electric will refund members the difference with interest. If final overall approved revenue is higher than interim rates, Dakota Electric will not back charge members the difference.
“The increase is necessary to maintain the level of reliability and service our members expect from Dakota Electric,” CEO Greg Miller said.
Dakota Electric has worked at controlling costs since its last rate filing, submitted in 2014; still, many costs have increased over the last five years, such as fuel, maintenance, equipment, materials, technology, wages, benefits, etc.
Depending upon the approval process with the MPUC, the final rate could be in place sometime in the last half of 2020. Download the Frequently Asked Questions.
