PSC approves MDU electric rate increase

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) — North Dakota utility customers will see their electric bills rise next month following a decision by state regulators.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) recently approved a temporary electric rate increase for Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) customers, which will take effect Sept. 1.

Under the temporary rate, the average residential customer will pay an extra 13 dollars per month, representing an increase of nearly 11 percent.

The adjustment applies to basic service, energy and demand charges.

While the temporary rates remain in effect, MDU’s larger request for a permanent 14 percent rate increase will undergo a full regulatory review.

That process is expected to last into 2027.

“We understand that nobody wants to pay a higher rate. But the simple fact is, our costs have increased over the last several years. And again, we haven’t filed for four years. And the costs have increased over that time frame, and the cost of doing business has increased significantly,” said MDU’s Vice President of regulatory affairs Travis Jacobson.

Jacobson added that MDU offers various assistance programs for customers who may struggle financially under the higher rates.