MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - State regulators have approved raising rates for customers of Vermont’s largest electric utility by nearly 5.5 percent.
Vermont Public Radio reports customers will see a 1 percent decrease before rates rise 5.43 percent in September. The decrease is the result of corporate tax cuts.
The Public Utility Commission says in its ruling the rate hike is justified because the utility is facing increasing costs due to rising transmission rates and regional capacity issues.
The commission previously published an anonymous letter claiming the Department of Public Service that works on behalf of consumers in utility rate cases was too close to the utility.
An attorney for the department says they believe the commission’s recent ruling will ensure that ratepayers have adequate safeguards and protections.
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Information from: WVPS-FM, http://www.vpr.net
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