(BISMARCK) — Xcel Energy reached a settlement agreement with the North Dakota Public Service Commission this week that lessens the burden on residential customers. The settlement eliminated a proposed increase to the fixed customer charge (the charge before any natural gas is used) and lowered the overall increase to residential customer bills from the requested 12% down to 9%.
The fixed customer charge for natural gas will remain at $22.25 monthly for residential customers. Xcel had requested that it be increased to $25.
When Xcel Energy proposed the increase in May, AARP quickly intervened in the case citing the disproportionate burden placed on residential customers.
Utility rate increases are an escalating concern for North Dakotans – especially those with low or fixed incomes – many of whom struggle to pay their utility bills along with other critical household expenses. AARP North Dakota has consistently opposed rate increases on behalf of its 83,000 members and North Dakota residents, aged 50-plus.
“These are much better results than if AARP had not intervened. We know that even a small increase can really hit households on fixed incomes hard. We’ll continue to fight to keep utility rates affordable,” says Janelle Moos. AARP ND Advocacy Director.
