The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced on March 12, a decision in the Black Hills Electric Rate case, Proceeding No. 24AL-0275E, to set new electric rates for all classes, including residential and commercial customers. The PUC’s final decision is still subject to a written decision, anticipated next week, which will contain the PUC’s final, official determinations.
“Black Hills’ request to raise electric rates was subjected to months of PUC analysis, public input, and technical hearings examining every aspect of this request,” said PUC Director Rebecca White. “This decision thoroughly considers all this information, including hearing directly from local community members on the impacts of a rate increase while balancing the Commission’s obligation to provide safe, reliable and reasonably priced utility service.”
Black Hills originally requested a proposed annual revenue increase of approximately $37 million, which would affect all rates, including the residential and commercial classes. The Company subsequently reduced this request to $25 million, which would have raised average monthly residential bills by about $15 per month. The Commission’s decision approves a revenue requirement increase of about $17 million resulting in a total monthly bill increase of approximately $7.40/month depending on household electric usage. There is no increase in the Fixed Monthly Customer Charge. These rates are anticipated to go into effect on March 22, 2025.
Additionally, several charges that customers see on their bills will be removed, including the General Rate Schedule Adjustment (GRSA), which had been about 3.6% of the customer’s bill.
The Commission’s decision also sets new Time of Use (TOU) rates. Black Hills will offer an Opt-In TOU program to all customers with On Peak hours between 5 PM and 8 PM. Customers should contact Black Hills Electric to learn more on how to participate.
A final written order from the Commission is expected the week of March 17th. Appeals by parties to the PUC regarding this decision must be filed within 20 days of the written order. This press release is provided to help inform customers and does not necessarily constitute the final decision of the PUC. To learn more about this case, visit the PUC eFilings system, using Proceeding No. 24AL-0275E, or the PUC Key Issues page.