La Crosse to fight Xcel rate increase

The city of La Crosse plans to fight Xcel Energy's proposed rate increase.

The LaCrosse Common Council voted Thursday to spend up to $10,000 to hire legal counsel to speak before the Public Service Commission, said Mayor Mark Johnsrud. The PSC is expected to rule on Xcel's request after holding public hearings.

Monthly utility hills for Xcel Energy's typical residential customers would increase $8.19, or 13.3 percent, for electricity and $4.98, or 6.5 percent, for natural gas under the new rates, which would take effect Jan. 1, 2006.

The increase would affect the cost to provide adequate lighting and other services to the community, as well as the rates city residents pay, according to the resolution passed by the council.

Xcel officials say the increase is needed to meet future energy needs of the company's growing customer base.

Xcel said it is seeking all overall increase of $40.8 million in base electric rates and $7 million in natural gas rates.

The Citizens Utility Board consumer Watchdog group in Wisconsin has stated it probably also will contest the rate increase request.

Copyright La Crosse Tribune Jun 11, 2005
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