Xcel proposes 13 percent drop in utility bills
COLORADO - Xcel Energy is proposing a rate cut that would lower the average electric bill by about 13 percent.
Xcel said it filed for the $89.4 million rate reduction on December 12, mostly because of lower natural gas costs. Colorado's largest utility also uses coal to produce electricity.
Xcel said the cut would mean a savings of $8.10 a month on the average bill of $53.08.
The unit price of natural gas used to calculate heating bills is also down about 3 percent this December compared to last December.
If the state Public Utilities Commission approves the electric proposal, the cut would take effect January 1. It would apply to bills through March 2009.
Related News

Ermineskin First Nation soon to become major electricity generator
RED DEER - The switch will soon be flipped on a solar energy project that will generate tens of thousands of dollars for Ermineskin First Nation, while energizing economic development.
Built on six acres, the one-megawatt generator and its 3,500 solar panels will produce power to be sold into the province’s electrical grid, providing annual revenues for the band of $80,000 to $150,000, depending on energy demand and pricing.
The project cost $2.7 million, including connection costs and background studies, said Sam Minde, chief executive officer of the band-owned Neyaskweyahk Group of Companies Inc.
It was paid for with grants…