The Nebraska Public Service Commission reminds consumers that beginning September 1, 2020, Black Hills Energy will begin charging higher rates for its natural gas customers in Nebraska. The interim rate increase is in conjunction with the company’s rate case currently before the Commission.
On June 1, 2020, Black Hills Energy filed an application with the PSC seeking a $17.5 million general rate increase. The proposal will increase Black Hills’ fixed customer charges and distribution charges, the rates regulated by the Commission. State law allows a utility to charge an interim rate during the Commission’s review of the application.
The Commission will hold a hearing on Black Hills’ proposal beginning October 26, to hear evidence from the company, the Public Advocate and the other parties. Customers are represented by the Public Advocate, an attorney with experience in natural gas matters. Lincoln Lawyer Bill Austin is currently serving as the Public Advocate. The Commission has until the end of January 2021 to rule on the application. If the Commission approves a final rate that is lower than the interim rate, the utility must refund the difference.
Customers will notice that bills are prorated. Because the rate change takes effect on the first of the month, customers may have some usage that occurred before the rate change, billed at prior rates.
“We want to make sure customers know about the general rate increase process currently underway and alert them to the fact their bill will be going up in the interim,” said Commissioner Dan Watermeier, NG-109 Hearing officer, Detailed information on the NG-109 Black Hills General Rate Increase application can be found by clicking here.
The Commission will hold two virtual Town Hall meetings, two on September 22nd and one on September 4th. A schedule of the meetings can be seen by clicking here. The meetings are virtual due to COVID-19. Commissioner Watermeier said, “By holding town hall meetings virtually over two days and at various times, it is our hope that consumers interested in participating will be able to do so.”
A recording of the Sept. 24, town hall meeting will be made available when completed on the PSC YouTube channel/ .