You’ll see a smaller MPUC-authorized increase in your bills, on an interim basis, likely beginning in the third quarter. If the MPUC approves the request as filed, a typical residential Minnesota Power customer using 750 kilowatt-hours of electricity would see an increase of 7.7 percent, or about $6 per month. This increase will remain in effect until the Commission determines final rates in late spring of 2009.

Despite this, electricity is still a good value. Minnesota Power’s base rate is currently the tenth lowest retail base rate in the nation among investor-owned utilities. Even after the increase, rates will remain very competitive when compared to other regional providers.