On November 2, 2009, Minnesota Power filed a general rate case with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) requesting an increase in its rates for electric service of approximately $81 million, or 18.9% over existing rates. Minnesota state law provides for a utility to receive an interim rate increase while the rate case is pending. If the final increase granted by the Commission is less than the interim increase, Minnesota Power must refund the difference to customers with interest. A final Commission decision is due by November 2, 2010.

Minnesota Power had requested an interim rate increase of about 73.3 million or 17.1% over existing rates. At a meeting on December 15, 2009, the Commission voted to allow Minnesota Power an interim increase of about $48.5 million, or 11.3% over existing rates, beginning on January 1, 2010. The Commission found that “exigent” circumstances existed justifying a lower interim increase than might otherwise be provided for under Minnesota statutes, including the economic circumstances in Minnesota Power’s service area and that Minnesota Power had just been granted a $20 million rate increase this year.

Several public hearings will be held around the state where members of the public are encouraged to comment on the proposed rate increase request. Notice of the locations, dates, and time of the public hearings will be sent to customers with their utility bills and published in local newspapers. The public may also provide written comments to the Commission at:

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
121 Seventh Place East, Suite 350
Saint Paul, MN 55101-2147

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consumer.puc@state.mn.us