Posted by Melissa Burlaga

To support a stronger electric system and a healthier environment for its
customers in Northeastern Minnesota, Minnesota Power is asking for an $81 million net increase in electric retail rates.

New rates approved by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission are expected to go into effect in 2011.

The company has requested interim rates be implemented in early 2010.

Minnesota Power, announced earlier this fall its intent to file for additional revenues to recover the costs of significant investments to ensure current and future system reliability, enhance environmental performance and bring new renewable energy to Northeastern Minnesota.

If the request is approved, Minnesota Power estimates that an average residential customer, using 755 kilowatt–hours, would see an increase of $13 on their monthly bill.

The new rate request also includes shifting $14 million in line items currently reflected on customers' bills into base rates.

That shift would result in no net increase or decrease on customers bills.

Final rates for the company's May 2008 request will go into effect with this month's bills.