Company continues to upgrade northwestern Wisconsin's transmission system and invest in carbon-free energy sources

Eau Claire - Xcel Energy today filed an application with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSCW) for an increase of $20.6 million (3.2 percent) in electric rates effective Jan. 1, 2015. If approved as filed, a typical residential customer using 750 kWh would see an increase of $3.12 per month, or about 10 cents per day.

The request is limited to costs for investments in the transmission system, new wind power and power plant upgrades - most of which have already been approved by state regulators. The request also includes forecasted fuel and purchased power costs for 2015. However, it does not include increases for any other operating costs. The decision to limit the request includes input from several different customer groups.

"We are committed to managing our investments by balancing the need for clean energy and a strong electric grid with affordable costs," said Mark Stoering, president and CEO, Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin, an Xcel Energy company. "This limited request reflects that commitment.

"Our investments in new, cost-effective wind power highlight that both economic and environmental benefits can be achieved," Stoering said. "These projects will allow us to significantly reduce carbon emissions while keeping customer bills below the state and national average. We are also upgrading the transmission system in northwestern Wisconsin, much of which was built in the 1950s and 1960s," Stoering said.

The requested increase includes:

  •  Approximately 47 percent for investments in new wind power and upgrades at Xcel Energy's power plants.
  •  Approximately 33 for fuel and purchased power costs.
  • Approximately 20 percent for the company's efforts to strengthen the transmission system in northwestern Wisconsin.

"While any increase can be challenging, we strongly encourage our customers to practice conservation as the best way to manage their energy budget," Stoering said. Energy conservation resources and program information is available at xcelenergy.com or from Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program.

The PSCW will hold hearings on the application this fall in Madison. A full hearing schedule, when determined, will be available on the PSCW's website.

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