Coal plant delay means lower rate hike
COLORADO - Xcel Energy Inc.'s electric rates won't increase as much as expected in January because of a delay in the start of the utility's new coal-fired plant.
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission said that it approved a roughly $70 million rate increase, down from the previously granted $128.3 million.
Typical homeowners will see their monthly electric bills rise by $2.55 rather than the $4.43 under the higher rate. Small commercial customers' monthly bills will increase $3.66, compared with $6.72.
Xcel Energy's new unit at the Comanche power plant near Pueblo likely won't start up until at least February because of a leaky boiler. The Minneapolis-based utility can ask that the entire rate increase be restored once the plant starts operations.
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California proposes income-based fixed electricity charges
SAN FRANCISCO - The Public Advocates Office (PAO) for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has proposed adding a monthly fixed charge on electric utility bills based on income level.
The rate change is designed to lower bills for the lowest-income residents while aligning billing more directly with utility costs.
PAO’s recommendation for the Income Graduated Fixed Charge places fees between $22 and $42 per month in the three major investor-owned utilities’ territories for customers not enrolled in the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program. As seen below, CARE customers would be charged between $14 per month and $22 a…
