The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved an electrical rate increase for Minnesota Power's wholesale customers. Effective March 1, the rate increase applies to Minnesota Power's 16 municipal customers and two private utilities in Wisconsin, including Superior Water, Light & Power Co.
Minnesota Power explains the increase will offset rising costs of providing service to wholesale customers, including operating and maintenance expenses. In addition, the utility says that the increase is needed for environmental projects, wind generation and transmission asset additions. This is the first wholesale rate adjustment that the company has requested since 1995.
Minnesota Power provides retail electric service within a 26,000-square-mile area in northeastern Minnesota to 141,000 customers and wholesale electric service to 16 municipalities.
