Idaho Power wants to increase rates, and you have the chance now to weigh in before it's too late.  

Anytime utility companies want to increase charges to customers, they've got to request the increase with the Public Utility Commission.  Right now Idaho Power is asking the PUC to approve a $17.3 million increase, which would mean a boost of $1.32 to the average person that uses about 1,000 kilowatt hours per month.

Why the increase?  Things like contracts with solar developers and lower wholesale market prices for electricity are contributing, and Idaho Power also had a 1 percent drop in earnings last year.

They're also asking for a fixed cost adjustment to recover costs when energy consumption is lower.  That would be a 2.2 percent increase and an average monthly increase of $2.16 to those that about 1,000 kilowatt hours per month.

Ya got thoughts?  Now is the time to comment with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission, through May 23rd.  If approved, the new rates would go into effect this summer, when the AC is running.

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